A double-stranded RNA mycovirus from the maize rustPuccinia sorghi

摘要

Evidence is presented for the occurrence of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus in germinated uredospores of the maize rust fungusPuccinia sorghiSchw. Isometric particles of about 40ensp;nm diameter copurified with six or seven dsRNAs ranging in size from about 6500 to approximately 500 base pairs. Several polypeptide subunits with a molecular mass of around 89ensp;000 copurified with the mycovirus. Similar particles or dsRNA were not observed in the related maize rustPuccinia polysora.