Endornaviridae is a family of viruses. Plants, fungi, and oomycetes serve as natural hosts. There are 31 species in this family, assigned to 2 genera (Alphaendornavirus and Betaendornavirus). Members of Alphaendornavirus infect plants, fungi and the oomycete Phytophthora sp., members of Betaendornavirus infect ascomycete fungi.

Taxonomy

The following genera are assigned to the family:

Structure

Linear, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome of about 14 kb to 17.6 kb. A site specific break (nick) is found in the coding strand about 1 to 2 kb from the 5’ terminus. ViralZone conflicts with ICTV, listing Endornaviridae as dsRNA viruses. As the Endornaviridae genomes don't include a coat protein (CP) gene, they no true virions are associated with members of this family. For Vicia faba endornavirus, the RNA genome has been associated with some pleomorphic cytoplasmic membrane vesicles.

Life cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. The viral replicative form of the Endornaviridae is dsRNA. Replication follows the double-stranded RNA virus replication model. Double-stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. As the replicative dsRNA form is relatively stable, it can be found in comparatively high quantities in host tissues, and therefore is a likely subject of isolations (this is the reason why Endornaviridae often are classified as dsRNA viruses, in contrast to the official ssRNA(+) ICTV classification). The virus exits the host cell by cell to cell movement. Plants, fungi, and oomycetes serve as the natural hosts. Transmission routes are pollen associated.