Abstract
Over the past quarter century there have been massive applications of new molecular, cell biology, and genetics techniques to research plant viruses. Hundreds of complete virus genomes were sequenced and analyzed, their constituent genes and control elements identified, and similarities and differences revealed in genome organization, allowing for the taxonomic classification of viruses. Numerous virus replication systems were described and some viral replicases isolated. Especially good progress was made in understanding cell-to-cell and long-distance viral transport within plants; in cloning dominant and recessive plant genes controlling virus resistances and identifying the cognate viral avirulence factors; in unraveling mechanisms of viral transmission by invertebrate and plasmodiophorid vectors; and in showing, through these advances, how viruses utilize and subvert endogenous eukaryotic processes. The discovery of gene silencing and viral silencing–suppressor proteins transformed thinking about how virus replication is controlled and explained the phenomena of recovery from disease, cross protection, and synergy between unrelated viruses. Transgenic, virus-resistant plants were created and tested successfully in field conditions, and a few were commercialized. Factors underlying the appearance of new disease epidemics were identified. Genetic recombination was reported and found to make an important contribution to generating virus variation. Additionally, some major viral evolutionary pathways were identifed through comparative genome analysis. The stage is set for further major advances in the coming decades.
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