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Interactions among plant pathogenic viruses in the family Luteoviridae and their plant hosts and insect vectors are governed by the topology of the viral capsid, which is the sole vehicle for long distance movement of the viral genome. Previous application of a mass spectrometry-compatible cross-linker to preparations of the luteovirid Potato leafroll virus (PLRV; Luteoviridae: Polerovirus) revealed a detailed network of interactions between viral structural proteins and enabled generation of the first cross-linking guided coat protein models. In this study, we extended application of chemical cross-linking technology to the related Turnip yellows virus (TuYV; Luteoviridae: Polerovirus). Remarkably, all cross-links found between sites in the viral coat protein found for TuYV were also found in PLRV. Guided by these data, we present two models for the TuYV coat protein trimer, the basic structural unit of luteovirid virions. Additional cross-links found between the TuYV coat protein and a site in the viral protease domain suggest a possible role for the luteovirid protease in regulating the structural biology of these viruses., (Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Sugarcane streak mosaic virus (SCSMV) causes mosaic and streak symptoms on sugarcane and sorghum crops, and has a broad host range. SCSMV is a member of the genus Poacevirus in the family Potyviridae.Ten SCSMV isolates were collected from sugarcane plants showing mosaic and streaking in Southern China from 2009-2011. Sequence-based phylogenetic and population genetic analyses were conducted using four partial genomic sequences covering the full genomes. These analyses were used to estimate the subpopulation differentiation and divergence within the Chinese virus population, and were compared with isolates from India. SCSMV-infected sugarcane plants in the field commonly harbor virus quasispecies (mutant cloud), and often have mixed infections with the same virus isolates. Inter- and intra-lineage recombination sites were identified in the protein 1, helper-component proteinase, coat protein and 3' non-coding regions of the Chinese isolates. All the Chinese non-recombinant isolates fell into at least nine lineages, and many clustered with Indian isolates. However, estimates of genetic differentiation and gene flow indicated that the SCSMV populations in China and India are genetically independent. Our genetic study of a poacevirus population in South Asia regions indicates the importance of the evolutionary-based design to control viruses., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is one of the causal pathogens of mosaic diseases on sugarcane, maize, sorghum and some other graminaceous species with worldwide distribution. The global genetic diversity and molecular evolution of SCMV capsid protein (CP) gene were investigated with the nucleotide sequences available in the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that SCMV isolates clustered in relation to their original hosts, and geographically distinct isolates from maize or sugarcane clustered differently. The populations between maize and sugarcane showed frequent gene flows; but within maize or sugarcane geography distinct isolates had infrequent gene flow. Recombination existed in the region of CP cistron and 3'-untranslated region (UTR). Most of the codons in the CP gene were under negative selection or neutral evolution except for codons 27 and 48, which were under positive selection. This study provided systematic analyses of the evolutionary processes contributing to the observed diversification of SCMV populations., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Thirty-five unique partial sugarcane bacilliform virus (SCBV) sequences extending over 529 bp were identified in sugarcane samples from Guadeloupe diagnosed by Immunocapture-PCR (IC-PCR) using specific badnavirus primers. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences along with the two known genome sequences of Sugarcane bacilliform Mor virus (SCBMV) and Sugarcane bacilliform IM virus (SCBIMV) revealed high molecular variability in the SCBV genome. Seven phylogenetic groups, named A to G, were characterized: virus isolates from groups A-B, C and D are proposed to be members of three additional SCBV species. The two (7446 and 7444 bp) and one (7317 bp) complete sequences of SCBV isolates from groups A and D, respectively, likely represented the genome of two new species. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome and RT/RNase H sequences confirmed the polyphyletic structure of SCBV isolates and the absence of a clear separation between SCBV and Banana streak virus (BSV) isolates within badnavirus group 1. These results showed that reconsideration of taxonomy and classification of SCBV and BSV are necessary., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The island sugarcane planthopper, Eumetopina flavipes Muir, is the only known vector for Ramu stunt disease of sugarcane. This study examined the relationship between host plant distribution and abundance, and E. flavipes distribution, abundance and levels of population connectivity in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Torres Strait (TS) and northern peninsula area (NPA) of Australia, as a first step in establishing E. flavipes invasion potential through the TS/NPA. Results show that E. flavipes utilises a wide range of Saccharum host species in PNG and that the occupation rates and abundances differed significantly among host types. For hosts in common, the proportion of plants occupied in PNG was significantly greater than in TS/NPA. This is likely the result of greater overall host density and connectivity in PNG. E. flavipes abundance per plant did not differ significantly between the two regions suggesting a possible plant-specific abundance and/or dispersal threshold independent of location. Whilst E. flavipes presence and persistence was highly variable at some TS/NPA locations, large and stable infestations occurred down the western edge of the TS archipelago. These populations appear to link PNG to the NPA and offer a potential incursion route for Ramu stunt disease. The stability of these populations appears to be associated with the availability and persistence of host material, which in turn is significantly affected by variation in cultivation practices. In the TS/NPA, implementation of pre-emptive management of E. flavipes via cultivation techniques, such as simultaneous tip-pruning, may be an effective means of control for the pest, and would be simpler and preferable to the direct management of Ramu stunt disease should it be detected in the TS/NPA.