Necro-Like Viruses (Tombusviridae)

Necro-like viruses belong to the genera Alphanecrovirus and Betanecrovirus in the family Tombusviridae. Icosahedral virus particles encapsidate one single-stranded positive sense RNA molecule c. 3.7 kb in size. Necro-like viruses infect a wide range of mono- and dycotyledonous plants, which show necrotic local lesions, not followed by systemic infection. Natural infection is often restricted to the roots. All necro-like viruses are transmitted through the soil, either by the fungus Olpidium brassicae, or without the apparent intervention of a vector. Several necro-like viruses support the replication of satellite viruses or RNA.