Unexpected effects of plant viruses

All the benefits of plant viruses are probably only limited by our imagination.

Plants can also be infected with the virus, which causes many serious diseases for crops as well as agricultural crops. However, many studies over the last few years have shown that some viruses form a symbiotic relationship that benefits plants. In addition, the genes of these viruses can also be modified to serve biotechnology nanotechnology and even semiconductor material science.

Orchids when infected with tobacco mosaic virus.

Viruses cause disease in plants

Scientists today have listed a list of more than 1,000 plant pathogens worldwide. They are both capable of infecting large epidemics that seriously damage crops, even an agricultural country economy and world food security. For example, a species called Begomovirues caused cassava mosaic outbreaks across Africa. They are spread from tree to tree by white flies.

Normally, a virus cannot kill plants. However, the problem that they bring is a serious decrease in production and quality of agricultural products. The nuts are often attacked by the Plum pox virus. Meanwhile, tomatoes often suffer severe damage when infected with leaf twisted. PVY virus causes disease for potatoes and many vegetables grown.

Dream of infected virus Plum pox.

Even viruses that are thought to be more benign can affect the quality of the seed. They accumulate through cuttings or roots, and tubers causing degeneration of seed for the following seasons.

This is the reason that a potato can infect up to 5 or 6 viruses at the same time. This degeneration process causes productivity and quality to be compromised. Some previous studies in Africa have recommended that people use new varieties to salvage 30-50% of degenerative seed productivity.

Even so, we have known for a long time that plant viruses are not only harmful. Some viruses on Tulip flowers change their petals and are recorded in paintings from the 17th century. At that time, the Dutch preferred to use bulbs in flower growing. Until the twentieth century, new researchers discovered infected viruses on the light bulbs.

Tulip watercolor painting changes color from the 17th century.

Plant viruses are easily detected through rapid tests . They can be controlled by pesticides or biological competition measures. The approach is to kill infectious intermediates such as white flies, aphids, thrips . With global warming, the number and scope of harmful insects in agriculture is increasing. That requires more powerful measures to control plant diseases.

Good face of plant virus

Recent studies show that many plants in the natural population are also infected with viruses, not just plants. Many of them have no obvious symptoms. However, the virus still exists and is transmitted through seeds for the next generation.

The grass can still grow and multiply at a temperature of 50 ° C thanks to the virus.

The appearance of viruses on plants is not entirely bad. Similar to some species of parasites on mammals or bacteria, some viruses express harmless and even beneficial to plants. They create a symbiotic connection with the host.

A typical example is tropical grass in Yellowstone National Park, where soil temperature may exceed 50 ° C. The grass can only tolerate these conditions through a symbiotic association with a virus-infected fungus. Without it, they will be quickly eradicated because of extreme temperatures.

Another example is the tobacco mosaic virus. They increase the drought tolerance of infected plants higher than other normal plants. This virus has been discovered since 1898 and is being studied extensively for biological nanotechnology.

Plant viruses are considered natural nanoparticles. Tobacco mosaic virus with many forms such as rod, tube type has been put into application. Scientists genetically modified these viruses and then infected them on the host. At this time, the virus can combine with the plant to create some important essences. They are collected through the process of refining leaves to make materials for vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

HPV vaccine is developed by tobacco mosaic virus.

Today, plant viruses are even used in semiconductor nanotechnology. For example, a nano structure of tobacco mosaic virus is known for its ability to stabilize magnetic fluids and is used in materials science. In the future, plant virus applications can also be further expanded through biomedical implants. All of their benefits are probably limited only by our imagination.