Viruses that infect plants are responsible for reduction in both yield and quality of crops around the world, which are of great economic importance. This has provided the impetus for the extensive research into the molecular and cellular biology of these pathogens and into their interaction with their plant hosts and their vectors. However interest in plant viruses extends beyond their ability to damage crops. Many plant viruses, for example tobacco mosaic virus, have been used as model systems to provide basic understanding of how viruses express genes and replicate. Others permitted the elucidation of the processes underlying RNA silencing, now recognised as a core epigenetic mechanism underpinning numerous areas of biology. This book attests to the huge diversity of research in plant molecular virology. Throughout the book the focus is on the most recent, cutting-edge research, making this book essential reading for everyone, from researchers and scholars to students, working with plant viruses.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in the Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He has done B.Sc. (Ag.) from Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.) He has been awarded JRF (ICAR) Award and Gold Medallist in the M.Sc. (Ag.) and done his Ph.D. on the aspect of Biological Control of Nematode from Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi. He has long time experience in teaching, research and extension activities in the field of Plant Pathology and Plant Nematology. He is especially involved in the field of biological control of nematode and Rice Pathology. He is guiding M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. students in this field. He is also an active life member for several professional societies. He has published more than 30 research papers in national and international journals. He has served as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal investigator in several research projects funded by UGC, UPCAR, ICAR and several private companies.