Molecular Evolution and Epidemiology of <i>Benyviridae</i> and the Agricultural Implications

ABSTRACT Viruses from the Benyviridae family are important aetiological agents of diseases in plants and are responsible for significant losses in agricultural production across various regions of the world. This family comprises viruses with segmented, single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA genomes and rigid, elongated helical capsids. Currently, four species are officially recognised within this family: Benyvirus arctii , Benyvirus necrobetae , Benyvirus oryzae and Benyvirus solibetae , causing diseases such as rhizomania in sugar beet ( B. necrobetae ) and stripe necrosis in rice crops ( B. oryzae ). These viruses are primarily transmitted by soil‐inhabiting plasmodiophorid of the genus Polymyxa , which are obligate root parasites that promote viral persistence and dissemination in agricultural environments. Depending on the species, the viral genome may contain two to five segments with specific functions related to replication, movement, and modulation of virulence. Additional segments such as RNA3, RNA4 and RNA5 have been associated with symptom intensification and with the breakdown of genetic resistance in host plant cultivars. Despite genomic similarities among species, these viruses exhibit high genetic diversity, distinct geographic distributions and varying epidemiological potentials. Considering the increasing impact of these viruses on crop production and the existing gaps in knowledge regarding their diversity and evolution, this study aims to review the main taxonomic, molecular and epidemiological aspects of Benyviridae , highlighting the importance of molecular characterisation and phytosanitary monitoring for their effective management.