RNA-Based Antiviral for Agricultural Virus

RNA-Based Antiviral for Agricultural Virus Latest News

Plant pests and diseases destroy nearly 40% of the world’s annual crop production, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Plant viruses alone cause over $30 billion in annual losses globally.

What is the Mosaic Virus?

• The Mosaic virus is a parasite that destroys plants at the molecular level.
• Infected plants spread the virus to other plants, potentially devastating an entire harvest.
• It affects a wide variety of crops, including roses, beans, tobacco, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, melons, and peppers.

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About Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

• CMV is a plant virus affecting a wide range of crops such as cucumber, melon, eggplant, tomato, carrot, and lettuce.
• CMV was first identified in cucumbers in 1934, giving the virus its name.
• The virus is spread mainly through sap-sucking insects called aphids, with nearly 90 aphid species capable of transmitting CMV.
• CMV can also spread through human touch, but the likelihood is extremely low.
• Weather conditions with high temperatures and intermittent rain promote the multiplication of aphids, thereby facilitating the spread of CMV.
• CMV is a major threat, infecting more than 1,200 plant species, including cucumbers, cereals, and medicinal plants.
• In India, CMV causes 25-30% yield losses in banana plantations and up to 70% infection rates in crops like pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons.

RNA-Based Defence Mechanism

• RNA Silencing: A natural defence system in plants against viral attacks.
  • Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from the virus triggers the plant’s immune response.
  • Dicer-like enzymes (DCLs) slice the dsRNA into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
  • siRNAs then guide the system to destroy viral RNA, stopping virus replication.

Types of RNA-Based Techniques

• Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS): Plants are genetically modified to produce virus-targeting dsRNA internally for continuous protection. However, high costs, regulatory hurdles, and risk of viral resistance limit its use.
• Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS): RNA sprays are applied to plant leaves, activating natural immunity without altering plant DNA. Cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but traditional dsRNA often generates a random mix of siRNAs, reducing efficiency.

RNA-Based Antiviral for Agricultural Virus FAQs

Q1. What is a Mosaic Virus?
Ans. A Mosaic Virus is a plant virus that causes a mottled appearance with light and dark green or yellow patches on leaves, severely affecting crop growth and yield.

Q2. Which crops are commonly affected by Mosaic Virus?
Ans. Tobacco, tomato, cucumber, sugarcane, papaya, and legumes are among the crops commonly affected by different types of Mosaic Viruses.

Q3. What are the major types of Mosaic Viruses?
Ans. The major types include Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), and Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV).

Source: TH