Evolution of plant–virus interactions: host range and virus emergence

Publication date: February 2019Source: Current Opinion in Virology, Volume 34Author(s): Michael J McLeish, Aurora Fraile, Fernando García-ArenalChanges in host range are central to virus emergence. Host range, together with its evolution, is determined by virus intrinsic factors, such as genetic traits determining its fitness in different hosts. Experimental analyses have shown the relevance in host range evolution of across-host fitness trade-offs. Host range is also determined by ecological factors extrinsic to the virus such as the distribution, abundance, and interaction of species, and understanding their role in host range evolution is a current challenge. Indeed, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and the complexity of biotic and abiotic interactions, must be considered in order to provide generalisations on patterns of transmission, host range evolution, and disease emergence. This exciting new field of research is still in its infancy.

Source: Current Opinion in Virology - January 15, 2019 Category: Virology Source Type: research