Authors: Greg Fougere (MSc graduate, Brock University), Jonathan Griffiths (Research Scientist – Virology, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) and Cara McCreary (Greenhouse Vegetable IPM Specialist, OMAFA)
Part 1 explained how we suspect ToBRFV was entering into Canada and moving between greenhouses (access post here). Here we will explore mutations, adaptations and how the virus is responding to the protection offered by genetic host resistance.
Before we go any further, let’s explain what these terms mean.
Mutation: random change in the viral genome that occurs when the virus replicates inside a host plant. Plant viruses with RNA genomes (like ToBRFV) are especially prone to mutations.
Adaptation: heritable trait that becomes common in a virus population because it improves survival or transmission in a specific environment.
Adaptation occurs through natural selection acting on mutations. This can happen over multiple infection cycles.
Continue reading “PART 2. Genomic diversity of ToBRFV: Is it changing in Canada?”