Cross-kingdom viruses, despite their compact genomes, exhibit a remarkable ability to infect hosts across different biological kingdoms. They achieve this through mechanisms such as hijacking conserved cellular receptors and machinery, mutations in key proteins, and forming specific molecular interactions. These adaptations allow them to overcome plant defenses, enhance the fitness and efficiency of insect vectors, and exploit alternative or transient hosts. Their rapid emergence in recent years has highlighted the urgent need for innovative strategies—including advanced diagnostic tools and sustainable agricultural practices—to curb their spread and address the multi-billion-dollar crop losses that jeopardize global food and nutritional security.
This session, co-chaired by Drs Kiran Gadhave (Texas A&M University) and Daniel Hasegawa (USDA-ARS), will captivate a diverse audience by presenting cutting-edge research on plant pandemics caused by cross-kingdom viruses transmitted by insect vectors. It will comprehensively address major plant viruses spanning different genera—Orthotospovirus, Rhabdovirus, Begomovirus, Ketavirus and Dichorhaviruses—which are transmitted by various insect vectors such as thrips, leafhoppers, whiteflies and mites, affecting a wide range of hosts, from monocots to specialty crops. Featuring speakers from the US, India, and Brazil, the session emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary global collaborations to unravel the complex interactions between these viruses, their hosts, and vectors. The session will conclude with a 15-minute panel discussion led by the co-chairs, providing an opportunity to address audience questions and foster engaging conversations on how insights from various pathosystems can be leveraged to understand the rise of cross-kingdom viruses and their profound impacts on global agriculture and the economy.
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