Beet necrotic yellow vein virus is responsible for sugar beet rhizomania. Root proliferation is characteristic of the viral infection and lead to sugar losses. Pathogenicity is particularly linked to the expression of RNA-3-encoded p25. The extensive use of viral tolerant crops allows maintenance of sugar yields but also permits viruliferous vector to be maintained and therefore the appearance of resistance breaking isolates. The resistance breaking isolates present some amino acid variations within the p25 protein sequence, a key determinant in BNYVV pathogenicity. Here, we will review the molecular biology of BNYVV, of its vector and the antiviral strategies that may be used against rhizomania.
Keywords: Polymyxa betae; benyvirus; rhizomania; viral pathogenicity.