Wheat streak mosaic virus

Genome structure

The WSMV is positive, linear, single-strand RNA (ssRNA). According to the International Committee on Taxonomy of virus, the complete genome of WSMV has 9384 nucleotides. The G+C content is 44%. The % coding is 97%. The sequence only codes for one long polypeptide.There are different strains. Some are milder than others.

Cell structure The virus is in group IV, family Potyviridae, genus Tritimovirus. The virus is simple in structure.

Characteristics of wheat cells that are infected with WSMV: The wheat cell bears many inclusions in the cytoplasm. The nucleus is distorted in shape. The inclusions do not have any rigid shape. They are varied in appearance. The inclusions are involved with viral proteins. There is an increased reproduction rapidly in number of membranes and ribosome’s. As the infections go on and progress, the cells is twisted out of shape and the organelles are disintergrated

Other possible hosts for WSMV: The virus not only attacks all sorts of wheat but also the other cereal plants. The other cereal plants are oeats, barley, rye, maize, millets and sorghum. Wild grass is also affected. If there cereal plants and wild grass are grown in very close distance to the infected wheat crop, they can catch the mites by wind and develop WSMV soon