Horizontal and Vertical Transmission of a Mycovirus Closely Related to the Partitivirus RhsV717 that Confers Hypovirulence in Rhizoctonia solani

Author: mycolabadmin
2023-10-13
View Source

Summary

This research discovered a virus (RsPV-BS5) that can weaken a harmful fungus that causes disease in tobacco plants. The virus can spread between fungi and pass from parent to offspring, making it potentially useful for protecting tobacco crops naturally. Impact on everyday life: • Could lead to more environmentally friendly crop protection methods • May help reduce chemical fungicide use in agriculture • Could improve tobacco crop yields and quality • May lower costs for farmers and consumers • Demonstrates nature-based solutions for plant disease control

Background

Rhizoctonia solani is an important soilborne necrotrophic fungal pathogen consisting of 14 subgroups (AG1-AG14). R. solani AG-3 mainly infects potato, tobacco, and tomato. Tobacco target spot disease, caused by R. solani AG-3, has been widely found in many countries leading to severe crop losses. Mycoviruses are prevalent among major fungi and some can induce hypovirulence in their host fungi, making them potential biocontrol agents against plant fungal diseases.

Objective

To isolate and characterize the molecular and biological properties of RsPV-BS5 virus from R. solani AG-3 strain BS-5, and evaluate its potential as a biocontrol agent for tobacco target spot disease. The study aimed to investigate the virus’s transmission mechanisms and its effects on host pathogenicity.

Results

The study found that RsPV-BS5 is a new strain of RhsV717 with two dsRNA segments. The virus particles were spherical with a diameter of approximately 40 nm. RsPV-BS5 could be transmitted both horizontally through hyphal anastomosis and vertically through sexual basidiospores. The virus infection significantly reduced mycelial growth and pathogenicity in tobacco leaves. Transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression of four genes related to cell wall-degrading enzymes between virus-infected and virus-free strains.

Conclusion

RsPV-BS5 represents a new strain of RhsV717 belonging to the Betapartitivirus genus. The virus can spread both horizontally and vertically, and induces hypovirulence in its host. The study revealed molecular mechanisms through which RsPV-BS5 reduces host pathogenicity, suggesting its potential as a biocontrol agent for tobacco target spot disease.

Published in:Viruses,
Study Type:Laboratory Research,
Source: 10.3390/v15102088