Important landmarks in the history of plant virology

The first recognition and establishment of viruses marked the protovirology and auravirology eras. The development of sophisticated microscopic and molecular-biological techniques and information technology has accelerated research in the field of virology. As a result, insight has been gained into both the molecular characteristics of plant viruses and various resistance mechanisms in plants and applications in other disciplines. This chapter traces detailed cutting-edge developments in plant virus research from its very early concept of ‘filterable agents’ to up-to-date information on viral diseases in plants. The review features a timeline figure showing important findings, viruses as a quasispecies, RNA biology impact on plant virology, NGS and virosphere, virus interference, and viruses as technological tools. In winding up, this chapter depicts the challenges presented by the emerging and cross-kingdom viral infections and our vigilance to circumvent them.