Polerovirus

Polerovirus is a genus of plant-infecting, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses in the family Solemoviridae. Members of this genus are phloem-limited and are primarily transmitted to plants by aphid vectors in a persistent, circulative manner. Poleroviruses are responsible for several economically important crop diseases, including yellowing, stunting, and yield losses.

Taxonomy and classification are based on genome organization, serology, and vector relationships. The genus includes a number of species that infect a wide range of hosts, such as cereals, potatoes, beets, cucurbits, and vegetables. Well-known members include Barley yellow dwarf viruses (BYDV-PAV, BYDV-MAV, and related strains), Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), Beet western yellows virus (BWYV), Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV), and Turnip yellows virus (TuYV).

Genome and replication are typical of poleroviruses: small, positive-sense RNA genomes that encode replication-associated proteins, a movement protein, and a coat protein, often accompanied by a readthrough product involved in movement or aphid transmission. Replication occurs in infected plant cells, with systemic movement through the phloem. Transmission is achieved by aphids such as Myzus persicae and other species, which acquire the virus from infected plants and transmit it to new hosts during subsequent feeding, facilitating spread among crops.

Diagnosis relies on molecular methods such as RT-PCR and serological assays, as well as observation of characteristic symptoms and aphid presence. Management emphasizes vector control, use of resistant or tolerant cultivars where available, removal of alternative hosts, and crop rotation to reduce inoculum.