The species problem in plant virology.

The systems currently used to classify and name viruses are discussed. It is concluded that, while the family-genus-species system is widely used for many viruses, the virus group-virus system used for plant viruses has a sounder theoretical basis and is easier to use. Its universal adoption should be considered. For plant viruses, the English vernacular name and the group name could form the basis of a binomial nomenclature.