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Deep Sequencing Analysis Reveals the Mycoviral Diversity of the Virome of an Avirulent Isolate of Rhizoctonia solani AG-2-2 IV

Summary

This research discovered an unprecedented number of different viruses living inside a single fungal plant pathogen. This is important because some of these viruses can make the fungus less harmful to crops. Here’s how this impacts everyday life: • Could lead to new environmentally-friendly ways to protect crops from fungal diseases • May reduce the need for chemical fungicides in agriculture • Helps scientists better understand how multiple viruses can coexist in fungi • Could inspire new approaches for controlling plant diseases • Advances our knowledge of viral diversity and evolution

Background

Rhizoctonia solani is an important plant pathogenic fungal species complex that infects many economically important crops. It is difficult to control through conventional methods due to its soil-borne nature and wide host range. Previous research has shown that Rhizoctonia can be affected by suppressive organisms and hypovirulent isolates, raising interest in the potential role of mycoviruses in biocontrol.

Objective

To characterize the diversity of mycoviruses present in an avirulent isolate of R. solani (DC17) through deep sequencing analysis of its virome, with particular focus on identifying novel viral species through analysis of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains.

Results

The study identified 17 different mycoviruses in the single fungal isolate, with 16 representing novel species not previously characterized. The viruses belonged to at least 8 different families including Narnaviridae (6 mitoviruses), Endornaviridae, Partitiviridae, and Megabirnaviridae, as well as members of the order Tymovirales and other unclassified groups. This represents the highest number of distinct viral species reported to infect a single fungal isolate.

Conclusion

This research significantly advances understanding of mycoviral diversity in R. solani by identifying an unprecedented number of novel viral species coinfecting a single isolate. The findings raise important questions about viral interactions and community dynamics in fungi. The characterized hypovirulent isolate and its viruses warrant further investigation to better understand mycovirus biology and potential biocontrol applications.
  • Published in:PLOS One,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165965
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