This book compiles plant viruses and virus taxa currently approved by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), offering a consolidated, easy-to-access reference for plant virus taxonomy and classification. It aims to bring together scattered information, including newly recognized virus families, that is currently spread across individual research articles, review papers, textbook chapters, and the ICTV website, into a single volume.

To ensure consistent global taxonomy, ICTV regularly updates and maintains the virus classification database. Currently, the ICTV oversees classification and taxonomy across all virus types, including those infecting vertebrates, invertebrates, protozoa, algae, fungi, bacteria, archaea, and higher plants. This book provides up-to-date information on the key characteristics plant-infecting viral taxa, along with lists of established and tentative species, detailed descriptions, and relevant bibliographic references.

This book is designed as a valuable resource for research scientists, university faculty, seed companies, quarantine personnel, and institutions engaged in research or teaching in plant virology. The book will serve as a comprehensive and globally relevant reference guide.

Throughout his career, he has successfully managed six externally funded projects as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI, along with 20 in-house projects at both IIVR and IIHR. His research output includes over 180 publications in national and international refereed journals, 14 book chapters, 18 popular articles, 10 folders, and 23 technical bulletins. He has also served as a resource person in over 100 training programs and reviewed more than 50 research articles, contributing significantly to scientific journals.

Dr. Venkataravanappa's contributions have been widely recognized, with his articles cited 1924 times. He holds an H-index of 23 and an i10-index of 59, and his achievements have earned him numerous awards from scientific societies and conferences across India.