Babuvirus

Babuvirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Nanoviridae.^[1] Musa species serve as natural hosts. There are three species in this genus. Diseases associated with this genus include: stunting, severe necrosis and early plant death. BBTV induces banana bunchy top disease (BBTD).^[1][2][3]

Babuvirus
Virus classification
(unranked):	Virus
Realm:	Monodnaviria
Kingdom:	Shotokuvirae
Phylum:	Cressdnaviricota
Class:	Arfiviricetes
Order:	Mulpavirales
Family:	Nanoviridae
Genus:	Babuvirus

Taxonomy

The genus contains the following species, listed by scientific name and followed by the exemplar virus of the species:^[3][4]

• Babuvirus abacae, Abaca bunchy top virus
• Babuvirus cardamomi, Cardamom bushy dwarf virus
• Babuvirus musae, Banana bunchy top virus

Structure and genome

Genome map of species Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) showing six segments.

Viruses in the genus Babuvirus are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and round geometries, and T=1 symmetry. The diameter is around 18-19 nm.

Genomes are multipartite with 6 to 8 circular segments. Genome size is around 81 kb in totsl.^[1][2]

Genus	Structure	Symmetry	Capsid	Genomic arrangement	Genomic segmentation
Babuvirus	Icosahedral	T=1	Non-enveloped	Circular	Segmented

Life cycle

Viral replication is nuclear. Entry into the host cell is achieved by penetration into the host cell. Replication follows the ssDNA rolling circle model. DNA templated transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by nuclear pore export, and tubule-guided viral movement. Musa species serve as the natural host. The virus is transmitted via a vector (aphids). Transmission routes are vector.^[1][2]

Genus	Host details	Tissue tropism	Entry details	Release details	Replication site	Assembly site	Transmission
Babuvirus	Plants: musa species	Phloem	Viral movement; mechanical inoculation	Secretion; viral movement	Nucleus	Nucleus	Aphids