Geminiviruses, belonging to the Geminiviridae family, pose a major threat to global agriculture, particularly impacting crops such as tomatoes, cassava, cotton, and beans in tropical and subtropical regions. The Research Topic "Interactive Dynamics of Geminiviruses with Host Plants," curated by Drs. Muhammad Naeem Sattar, Zahir Ali, and Jesus Mendez-Lozano, delves into the intricate interactions between these viruses and their host plants. The compilation includes seven research articles and one review, covering aspects like diagnosis, functional characterization, and control strategies.
Typically, initial detection of geminiviruses involves observing symptoms such as leaf curling and mosaic patterns, but molecular techniques are essential for accurate identification. Atik and Paylan (2023) stress the significance of seed testing and quarantine measures to control viral pathogens, noting the presence of viruses like TMV, ToMV, and CMV in seeds. Sattar et al. (2024) identified distinct begomoviruses in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for ongoing disease monitoring.
Research underscores the role of Bemisia tabaci, a whitefly vector, in virus evolution and dissemination. Thesnim et al. (2023) pinpointed genetic targets for controlling B. tabaci populations through RNA interference (RNAi). Additional studies examine how geminiviruses manipulate host plants, with proteins like TrAP, C4, and V2 involved in commandeering plant machinery and suppressing immune responses. Gupta et al. (2022) found a novel βV1 protein from the radish leaf curl betasatellite, acting as both an elicitor and virulence factor.
Host plants have developed defenses against viral infections. Siskos et al. (2023) identified the DNA Primase Large subunit (PRiL) as crucial for geminivirus replication, suggesting that PRiL aids in generating the initial RNA primer for viral DNA conversion. Integrated strategies, including traditional breeding and advanced genomic technologies, are essential for combating geminiviruses. Nalla et al. (2023) and Al-Roshdi et al. (2023) highlight the potential of multidisciplinary approaches and RNAi-based strategies in developing resistant cultivars.
Sattar, M. N. Editorial: "Interactive Dynamics of Geminiviruses with Host Plants". Frontiers in Plant Science, 16, 1616024. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1616024
Source: Frontiers In