Brome mosaic viruses (BMVs) are a group of plant viruses belonging to the Bromoviridae family. They are named after the cereal plant Bromus species, which they were first discovered in. BMVs are small, icosahedral-shaped viruses, composed of a single-stranded RNA genome, which is encapsulated within a protein coat.
These viruses primarily infect monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, causing a range of symptoms such as mosaic patterns on leaves, stunted growth, chlorosis (yellowing), necrosis (cell death), and deformations in plant structures. They can also impair the reproductive capacity of plants. BMVs are primarily transmitted via mechanical means, such as through the use of contaminated tools, insect vectors like aphids, or by human activity.
BMVs have a wide host range, affecting various economically important crop plants, including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and flowering plants. They can cause significant yield losses and reduce the quality of harvested produce. Control measures for BMVs include the use of virus-free planting material, quarantine protocols, and integrated pest management strategies to reduce insect vectors.
Research is ongoing to identify and develop more efficient strategies for managing BMVs, including the use of resistant plant cultivars, genetic engineering techniques, and the development of antiviral agents. By understanding the mechanisms and biology of BMVs, scientists aim to develop sustainable and effective strategies to prevent, manage, and control these viruses, thereby safeguarding global agricultural productivity.
