Recent research on plant viruses has greatly enhanced the understanding of the types, arrangements, and expression strategies of viral genes and has enabled functions to be assigned to many of the gene products. In addition, advances in knowledge of viral mechanisms have led to useful applications, such as the development of new types of virus-resistant crops.

This book chronicles the broad scope of modern research in this field, presenting the latest information on the taxonomy, molecular biology, biological properties, and epidemiology of plant viruses with bipartite, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genomes.

International experts present advances on members of the Comovirus, Dianthovirus, Enamovirus, Fabavirus, Idaeovirus, and Nepovirus genera examined with traditional methods and by genome analysis, molecular genetics, cell biology, and genetic engineering. Comparison between these fascinating virus systems and with those found in other virus genera offers novel insights into the possible origins and evolution of multipartite virus genomes.

1. Volume 5 completes the series coverage of plant viruses with isometric particles and RNA genomes. The book's up-to-date treatment of vital research areas will be valuable for researchers in microbiology, molecular biology, botany, and plant pathology.