Abstract
During plant-pathogen interaction, plant exhibits a strong defense
system utilizing diverse groups of proteins to suppress the infection
and subsequent establishment of the pathogen. However, in response,
pathogens trigger an anti-silencing mechanism to overcome the host
defense machinery. Among plant viruses, geminiviruses are the second
largest virus family with a worldwide distribution and continue to be
production constraints to food, feed, and fiber crops. These viruses are
spread by a diverse group of insects, predominantly by whiteflies, and
are characterized by a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genome coding for
four to eight proteins that facilitate viral infection. The most
effective means to managing these viruses is through an integrated
disease management strategy that includes virus-resistant cultivars,
vector management, and cultural practices. Dynamic changes in this virus
family enable the species to manipulate their genome organization to
respond to external changes in the environment. Therefore, the
evolutionary nature of geminiviruses leads to new and novel approaches
for developing virus-resistant cultivars and it is essential to study
molecular ecology and evolution of geminiviruses. This review summarizes
the multifunctionality of each geminivirus-encoded protein. These
protein-based interactions trigger the abrupt changes in the host methyl
cycle and signaling pathways that turn over protein normal production
and impair the plant antiviral defense system. Studying these
geminivirus interactions localized at cytoplasm-nucleus could reveal a
more clear picture of host-pathogen relation. Data collected from this
antagonistic relationship among geminivirus, vector, and its host, will
provide extensive knowledge on their virulence mode and diversity with
climate change