Recent advances in geminivirus detection and future perspectives

Abstract

1 The detection and identification of viruses has been a challenge since the advent of the discipline of plant virology over a century ago. A great variety of methods have been developed that permit differentiation of viral pathogens. These methods, initially based solely on identifying the distinct biological characteristics of different viruses, were soon supplemented with methods based on light or electron microscopy and serology and subsequently by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) and finally the use of molecular (nucleic acid-based) techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis of plant viruses. While the technologies available to virologists have obviously become more diverse and improved, the challenges have also changed greatly. Detection of plant viruses is becoming more critical as globalization of trade, particularly in horticultural commodities increase. The potential effects of climate change have further aggravated the movement of viruses and their vectors, transforming the diagnostic landscape. Geminiviruses are a group of plant viruses characterized by circular, single-stranded (ss) DNA genomes (~2.7 kb size) and twined icosahedral virions (18 x 30 nm). Based on genome organization, host range and insect-vector, geminiviruses are divided into four genera: