Plant virology and sugarcane germplasm Which virus has been confirmed to infect sugarcane genotypes in breeding and pathology studies?

Difficulty: Easy

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

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