Specific infectivity and host resistance have predicated potyviral and pathotype nomenclature but relate less to taxonomy.

The names of potyviruses and viral-strains have represented the occurrence of predominant pathotypes on predominant crop genotypes. Thus virus nomenclature, but not viral taxonomy, has been decisively influenced by plant-genotype susceptibility and indirectly by host genetic resistance. REsistance to infection (i.e., host range) continues to serve a practical role in differentiating recognized viruses. Plant genes that confer disease tolerance or viral resistance remain a principal means of viral pathotype differentiation, as well as a principal control measure against major viral pathogens. Degrees of genetic diversity among isolates of recognized viruses should not be underestimated, and any system of viral taxonomy should be prepared for flexibility at the species level.