Plant protection from virus: a review of different approaches

Abstract

This review analyzes methods for controlling plant viral infection. The high harmfulness of viral diseases and the peculiarities of viral pathogenesis impose special requirements regarding developing methods to prevent phytoviruses. The control of viral infection is complicated by the rapid evolution, variability of viruses, and the peculiarities of their pathogenesis. Viral infection in plants is a complex interdependent process. The creation of transgenic varieties has caused much hope in the fight against viral pathogens. The disadvantages of genetically engineered approaches include the fact that the resistance gained is often highly specific and short-lived, and there are bans in many countries on the use of transgenic varieties. Modern prevention methods, diagnosis, and recovery of planting material are at the forefront of the fight against viral infection. The main techniques used for the healing of virus-infected plants include the apical meristem method, which is combined with thermotherapy and chemotherapy. These methods represent a single biotechnological complex method of plant recovery from viruses in vitro culture. It widely uses this method for obtaining non-virus planting material for various crops. The disadvantages of the tissue culture-based method of health improvement include the possibility of self-clonal variations resulting from the long-term cultivation of plants under in vitro conditions. The possibilities of increasing plant resistance by stimulating their immune system have expanded, which results from the in-depth study of the molecular and genetic bases of plant resistance toward viruses and the investigation of the mechanisms of induction of protective reactions in the plant organism. The existing methods of phytovirus control are ambiguous and require additional research. Further study of the genetic, biochemical, and physiological features of viral pathogenesis and the development of a strategy to increase plant resistance to viruses will allow a new level of phytovirus infection control to be reached.

Optimizing sweet potato production: insights into the interplay of plant sanitation, virus influence, and cooking techniques for enhanced crop quality and food security

“…Effects of virus infection in the plant can include damage to the root system, interference with nutrient transport, changes in mineral metabolism ( Mishra et al., 2020 ), and disruption of hormonal regulation ( Llave, 2016 ), promoting an imbalance between the leaf (source) and the root system ( Anikina et al., 2023 ). These changes can lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting the growth and development of sweet potato storage roots ( Clark et al., 2012 ; Ogero et al., 2023 ).…”

Plant Immunity against Tobamoviruses

“…In the last few decades, a number of studies have demonstrated that transgenic approaches, especially by enhancing RNA silencing against viral RNA sequences, can provide effective plant protection against viruses [ 141 ]. Due to public concerns and strict regulatory barriers, this approach has been restricted for field use.…”

“…In addition, cross-protection is another efficient strategy without genetic modification, which is able to fight against severe virus strains. Reverse genetics can be adopted to generate attenuated mutants that have potential in cross-protection against tobamoviruses [ 141 ].…”

Attenuation of Zucchini mosaic virus disease in cucumber plants by mycorrhizal symbiosis

“…Most viral diseases are characterized by systemic damage, in which the virus spreads from the primary site of inoculation to other parts of the plant until it dies off once the plant is infected. It is passed to the offspring by vegetative propagation (Anikina et al 2023 ). Symptoms of viral infections typically include developmental abnormalities, necrosis, and chlorosis (Wang et al 2022 ).…”

“…Therefore, managing disease focuses on keeping viruses out of plants or making plants resistant to viral infection. To do this, several tactics that are tailored to each virus, host and environment must be created (Rubio et al 2020 ; Anikina et al 2023 ). Agrochemicals are commonly used to suppress plant virus infection, but these methods are unacceptably expensive and may have negative environmental implications.…”