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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 July 2020
The geminiviruses are a group of plant DNA viruses characterized by having one or two copies of a single-stranded, circular DNA genome and frequent occurrence of geminate, quasi-isometric particles as observed by transmission electron microscopy. The Geminiviridaefamily is classified into three genera (Mastrevirus, Curtovirus and Begomovirus)based on the number of DNA components, the plant hosts, and the transmission vectors. Maize streak virus (MSV), the type member of the Mastrivirusgenus, is transmitted by the leafhopper and infects Gramineaespecies. Wheat dwarf virus, Digitaria streak virus, and Chloris striate mosaic virus (CSMV) are examples of other members of the Mastrivirusgenus. The Nigerian strain of MSV (MSV-N) contains one copy of a singlestranded, circular DNA molecule (2687 nucleotides). Two protein products, VI and V2, are coded by the MSV-N genome.2 V2 (244 amino acids) is the only coat protein found in virions.