The virus probably has a worldwide distribution, and can be transmitted via nematodes, by mechanical inoculation, by grafting of plants and by contact between infected hosts with previously uninfected host.

[1][2] The genus contains the following species:[2] Viruses in Dianthovirus are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and spherical geometries, a “hexagonal” appearance, and T=3 symmetry.

The virus exits the host cell by tubule-guided viral movement.

Transmission routes are mechanical, seed borne, and contact.

[1] These viruses have segmented, bipartite genomes that are linear, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA (1).