Hypovirulence of Mycoviruses as a Tool for Biotechnological Control of Phytopathogenic Fungi

Resumo

This paper reports brief systematization of the current knowledge of the biology of mycoviruses, viral morphology, and genetics in particular as well as characteristics of the virus transmission and infection symptoms in fungal cells. The mechanisms involved in antiviral defense in the members of different classes of fungi are discussed. Insights into the role of hypovirulent mycoviruses in the biotechnological control of phytopathogenic fungi are provided.