Plant Virology

Viral diseases of plants cause enormous economic losses particularly in the tropics and semitropics which provide ideal conditions for the perpuation of viruses and their vectors. Intensive agricultural practices necessitated by the ever-increasing demands of the rapidly growing population and the introduction of new genotypes, cropping patterns and crops have further aggravated the problem of viral diseass. Many diverse approaches have been tried to minimize the losses caused by these diseases. The approaches are mainly based on avoidance of sources of infection; avoidance or control of vectors; modification of cultural practices; use of resistant varieties obtained through conventional breeding procedures; cross protection; systemic acquired resistance; and use of transgenic plants contining alien genes that impart resistance to viruses.
About Author :
Apoorva Karanth obtained her Master's degree in Botany from the University of Karnataka and studied for two years in Brussels on a Ramabi Contractor scholarship for research on plant diseases. She taught at universities in Nairobi, Bombay and Calcutta for over twelve years, during which period she published two widely accalimed works; Farming System in Europe and The Green Revolution: New Dimensions in Crop Management and Famine Control. She is presently Science Adviser (Plant Genetics) to two national level research establishments and also Visiting Fellow in Tropical Agro-Systems to universities in Tokyo, Australia, Nigeria and South America.
Contents :
Preface Introduction Properties of Viruses Shape of Viruses Chemistry of Plant Viruses Physiology of Plant Virus Diseases Serological Properties of Viruses Types of Serological Test Testing for Viruses Serological Tests for Determining Relationships among Plant Viruses Interaction between Plant Viruses and Their Hosts Transmission of Virus: By Vectors Transmission of Virus: Other than by Vectors Diseases Due to Viruses Some Common Diseases Caused by Viruses Index