Author
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Owens, Robert |
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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 3/20/2000 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Viroids are the smallest known agents of infectious disease -- small (246-399 nucleotides), highly structured, circular, single-stranded RNAs lacking both a protein capsid and detectable messenger RNA activity. The term "viroid" was introduced in 1971 by their discoverer, T.O. Diener (ARS-retired) to highlight the fundamental differences between these pathogens and conventional plant viruses. More than two dozen different viroids are now known, and most viroid diseases are thought to be the result of chance transfer from endemically-infected wild species to susceptible crop species. This summary of the basic biological and molecular properties of viroids was prepared for the Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, a comprehensive and authoritative compendium of the many terms, concepts, and principles embodied in the broad science of plant pathology. These volumes will cover all aspects of plant pathology, including causes, development, diagnosis, and control of plant disease. They will be used primarily by those active in plant disease research and teaching. Students, consultants, gardeners, and other non-plant pathologists will find it a definitive and comprehensive source of information on plant diseases. Technical Abstract: Viroids are the smallest known agents of infectious disease -- small (246-399 nucleotides), highly structured, circular, single-stranded RNAs lacking both a protein capsid and detectable messenger RNA activity. The term "viroid" was introduced in 1971 by their discoverer, T.O. Diener (ARS-retired) to highlight the fundamental differences between these pathogens and conventional plant viruses. More than two dozen different viroids are now known, and most viroid diseases are thought to be the result of chance transfer from endemically-infected wild species to susceptible crop species. This summary of the basic biological and molecular properties of viroids was prepared for the Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, a comprehensive and authoritative compendium of the many terms, concepts, and principles embodied in the broad science of plant pathology. These volumes will cover all aspects of plant pathology, including causes, development, diagnosis, and control of plant disease. They will be used primarily by those active in plant disease research and teaching. Students, consultants, gardeners, and other non-plant pathologists will find it a definitive and comprehensive source of information on plant diseases. |
