Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) | BCH-ORGA-SCBD-104819 | Organism | Biosafety Clearing-House

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Organism (ORGA)

published: 28 Mar 2013 last updated: 30 Jun 2020
Organism information
Tobacco mosaic virus
Kingdom Orthornavirae
Phylum Kitrinoviricota
Class Alsuviricetes
Order Martellivirales
Family Virgaviridae
Genus Tobamovirus
Species Tobacco mosaic virus
  • TMV
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Additional classification
IV ((+)ssRNA)
Viruses
Characteristics related to biosafety
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TMV has a very wide host range and has different effects depending on the host being infected. It is known to infect members of nine plant families, and at least 125 individual species, including tobacco, tomato, pepper (all members of the useful Solanaceae), cucumbers, and a number of ornamental flowers.

The first symptom of this virus disease is a light green coloration between the veins of young leaves. This is followed quickly by the development of a "mosaic" or mottled pattern of light and dark green areas in the leaves. Rugosity may also be seen where the infected plant leaves display small localized random wrinkles. These symptoms develop quickly and are more pronounced on younger leaves.

Mosaic does not result in plant death, but if infection occurs early in the season, plants are stunted. Lower leaves are subjected to "mosaic burn" especially during periods of hot and dry weather. In these cases, large dead areas develop in the leaves. This constitutes one of the most destructive phases of tobacco mosaic virus infection. Infected leaves may be crinkled, puckered, or elongated. However, if TMV infects crops like grape and apple, it is almost symptomless.
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Records referencing this document Show in search
Record type Field Record(s)
Genetic element Donor organism(s) 2