HISTORY, TAXONOMY, SCOPE, AND CHALLENGES OF RESEARCH ON MYCOVIRUSES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Fungi are often infected by mycoviruses. Mycoviruses, like their plant and animal counterparts, can only replicate within healthy host cells. They are missing with a mobility protein that is required for animals and plant viruses. They can only spread from cell to cell through biological processes including cell division, sporulation, and fusion. The vast majority of mycoviruses are unable to infect cells through the extracellular matrix. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) makes up most of the mycoviruses genomes, whereas positive, single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) makes up just a tiny percentage. Recently, DNA mycoviruses have been discovered. New mycoviruses are detected and identified using recently discovered metagenomic approaches. Although evidence of the presence of these viruses exists in nearly every phylum of fungi, the vast majority are still a mystery. Despite their significance, mycoviruses are typically asymptomatic, which makes them very useful. Uneven development, unusual colouration, and even alterations to sexual reproduction in some hosts have all been attributed to Mycoviruses. Their primary effect a reduction in the virulence of their host has given them increased significance for controlling plant diseases. The term "hypovirulence" is used to describe diminished pathogenicity. Mycoviruses have gained prominence due to the hypovirulence phenomenon, which can potentially lessen the damage to crops and trees caused by their host fungus. In Pakistan, few mycoviruses have been discovered. This review article discusses the history, taxonomy, and usage of mycoviruses as biological agents, their interaction with the fungal host, reports of mycoviruses, and challenges of research on mycoviruses in Pakistan.