Genus Alfamovirus

Type Species	Alfalfa mosaic virus	(AMV)

Virion Properties

Virions are generally bacilliform, having a constant diameter of 18  nm, and varying from 30-57  nm in length, depending on the nucleic acid species encapsidated. The Mr are from 3.5-6.9 10³. Virions are readily separated into components by sucrose density.

Genome Organization and Replication

Replication is activated by coat protein binding to the complex 3-end structure. Coat protein from members of the genus Ilarvirus can also activate replication.

Biological Properties

The host range is very broad. Viruses are transmitted by aphids in a nonpersistent manner.

List of Species Demarcation Criteria in the Genus

Not applicable.

List of Species in the Genus

Official virus species names are in italics. Tentative virus species names, alternative names ( ), strains or serotypes are not italicized. Virus name, CMI/AAB description numbers ( ), genome sequence accession numbers [ ], and assigned abbreviation ( ) are:

Species in the Genus

Alfalfa mosaic virus (46, 229)	[L00163, K02792, K02730]	(AMV)

Tentative Species in the Genus

None reported.