Plant virology and sugarcane germplasm Which virus has been confirmed to infect sugarcane genotypes in breeding and pathology studies?
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ABacilliform virus
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BCytomegalovirus
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CVaricella-zoster virus
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DErythrovirus
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EOrthomyxovirus
Answer
Correct Answer: Bacilliform virus
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Sugarcane is affected by several important viruses. One well-known pathogen group is the sugarcane bacilliform viruses (family Caulimoviridae, genus Badnavirus), which can infect diverse genotypes and complicate germplasm exchange and breeding.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The focus is on viruses known in plants, specifically sugarcane.
- Human viruses (e.g., Cytomegalovirus, Varicella-zoster) are not plant pathogens.
- Correct option should reference a plant-relevant virus linked to sugarcane.
Concept / Approach:Identify the virus genuinely associated with sugarcane. Sugarcane bacilliform virus is a pararetrovirus detected worldwide and is significant for quarantine and sanitation programs.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Exclude human-specific viruses (Cytomegalovirus, Varicella-zoster).Exclude unrelated categories not confirmed in sugarcane breeding contexts (e.g., human Erythrovirus).Select Bacilliform virus as the plant-relevant sugarcane pathogen.Verification / Alternative check:Plant pathology literature and certification schemes for sugarcane list badnaviruses among targeted pathogens for indexing and clean stock programs.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Cytomegalovirus and Varicella-zoster infect humans, not sugarcane.
- Erythrovirus is human/animal related (parvoviruses), not a sugarcane agent.
- Orthomyxoviruses are mostly animal/human (e.g., influenza).
Common Pitfalls:Confusing human/animal viruses with plant viruses; plant virus taxonomy differs substantially from medical virology.
Final Answer:Bacilliform virus