Strategies of virus control

• Published in: Acta horticulturae no. 901; pp. 181 - 190
• Main Author: Antignus, Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Society for Horticultural Science 01.01.2011
• Subjects: control methods; crops; disease prevention; host plants; parasites; plant viruses
• ISSN: 0567-7572
• DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.901.23

Viral pathogens form an economically important group of obligatory parasites of plants. About nine hundred and seventy seven plant viruses have been described and classified in 14 families and 70 genera. This unique group of pathogens has complex interactions with their host plants and vectors due to their sophisticated integration in the molecular mechanisms of living cells, interfering with our ability to manage the malfunctions of virus infected plants by curing means. These constraints led to the adoption of the perception that the best protection from virus diseases is by prevention. Many cultural procedures used for virus control are aimed at eradicating or altering one or more of the primary participants in the transmission process (vector, virus source plants and the crop) or prevent their coming together. Part of these control measures were devised to reduce to a maximum extent the number of inoculative vector individuals that are active in the crop or interfere with the trans-mission process at any of its phases, thereby arresting virus spread. Advances in plant virology and a better understanding of plant vector interaction provide innovative strategies based on the formation of mechanical and optical barriers that interfere with the ability of the viral pathogen or its vector to reach the plant and initiate an epidemic.