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Infection of Nigrospora Nonsegmented RNA Virus 1 Has Important Biological Impacts on a Fungal Host

Summary

This research examined how a virus affects the fungus that causes disease in plants like cotton and rice. The study found that when the fungus is infected with the virus, it becomes less harmful to plants and can’t survive at higher temperatures. This has important implications for agriculture and plant disease control. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to new biological methods for controlling plant diseases • May help protect cotton crops from fungal damage • Demonstrates how viruses can be used beneficially in agriculture • Contributes to understanding natural disease control mechanisms • Could reduce the need for chemical fungicides in farming

Background

Mycoviruses (fungal viruses) are widespread in major fungal species and can have varying effects on their hosts, from being asymptomatic to causing dramatic changes in growth, pigmentation, and virulence. Nigrospora nonsegmented RNA virus 1 (NoNRV1) was previously reported in the fungus Nigrospora oryzae, but its biological effects were unknown.

Objective

To investigate the biological impacts of NoNRV1 infection on its fungal host N. oryzae by isolating and characterizing a new strain, and comparing virus-infected versus virus-free variants.

Results

NoNRV1 infection promoted pigmentation of host cells but did not affect growth rate. The virus reduced the fungus’s heat tolerance at 37°C and decreased its pathogenicity in cotton leaves. Genome analysis revealed the virus contains two ORFs and likely uses +1 ribosomal frameshifting for RdRP expression. The virus-induced pigmentation was found to be water-soluble, unlike typical fungal melanin.

Conclusion

NoNRV1 infection has significant biological impacts on N. oryzae, including enhanced cell pigmentation, reduced thermotolerance, and decreased virulence. This work provides the first phenotypic evidence of NoNRV1’s effects on fungal hosts and contributes to understanding mycovirus-host interactions.
  • Published in:Viruses,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/v14040795
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