Molecular Aspects of Hypovirulence: State of the Art
ABSTRACT.--Transmissible hypovirulence has been consistently associated with the presence of one or more components of high molecular weight dsRNA. Unfortunately the direct proof, by cell-free transmission, that the dsRNA is the hypovirulent factor is still lacking. Evidence would suggest that this dsRNA may be a biologically unique entity because it lacks a protein capsid.It is also unique because the numbers of dsRNA components present may be variable. Nothing is known of the relationship of the dsRNA of one strain to that of another. There are both transmissible and non-transmissible forms of hypovirulence of E. parasitica. While there are undoubtedly many forms of non transmissible hypovirulence, there may be biochemical or genetic simularities between transmissible and some types of non-transmissible hypo-virulence. A better knowledge of the genetics and control of virulence of E. parasitica is needed to understand how dsRNA or other factors may reduce the virulence of this pathogen. Fortunately, the fact that virulence of E.parasitica can be perturbed in a number of ways can be utilized to better understand the genetics of virulence and hypovirulence.
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Author(s): Neal K. Van Alfen, Dane R. Hansen
Publication: American Chestnut Proceedings - 1982