Hordeivirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Virgaviridae. Plants serve as natural hosts. There are four species in this genus.

Taxonomy

The following four species are assigned to the genus:

Structure

Viruses in the genus Hordeivirus are non-enveloped, with rod-shaped geometries. The diameter is around 20-25 nm, with a length of 20-25 nm. Genomes are linear and segmented, tripartite or quadripartite, around 3.3kb in length. The earliest research on Hordeiviruses has been done on BSMV, and RNA sequencing shows BSMV's guide RNAs encode for seven major proteins, and suggest that this is true for the entire genus.

Life cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic, and is lysogenic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by penetration into the host cell. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by leaky scanning. The virus exits the host cell by tripartite non-tubule guided viral movement. Plants serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are seed borne.

Hosts

Monocots, and dicots including Chenopodium spp.