Fungal Viruses Unveiled: A Comprehensive Review of Mycoviruses

Mycoviruses (viruses of fungi) are ubiquitous throughout the fungal kingdom and are currently classified into 23 viral families and the genus botybirnavirus by the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). The primary focus of mycoviral research has been on mycoviruses that infect plant pathogenic fungi, due to the ability of some to reduce the virulence of their host and thus act as potential biocontrol against these fungi. However, mycoviruses lack extracellular transmission mechanisms and rely on intercellular transmission through the hyphal anastomosis, which impedes successful transmission between different fungal strains. This review provides a comprehensive overview of mycoviruses, including their origins, host range, taxonomic classification into families, effects on their fungal counterparts, and the techniques employed in their discovery. The application of mycoviruses as biocontrol agents of plant pathogenic fungi is also discussed.

Automated summary

Mycoviruses are widespread in the fungal kingdom and are classified into 23 viral families and one genus by the ICTV. Research on mycoviruses has mainly focused on those infecting plant pathogenic fungi, as some have the potential to reduce the virulence of their host and act as biocontrol agents. However, mycoviruses lack extracellular transmission mechanisms and rely on intercellular transmission through hyphal anastomosis, which hinders successful transmission between different fungal strains.