EN
During last 15 years at least 38 species from 16 genera of plant viruses were detected and identified in environmental waters, such as rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and in the sea. Infectious virus particles were found in field and greenhouse irrigation systems, hydroponic cultures, manure nutrient solutions, and even in semi-liquid sludge of sewage plants. Plant viruses were also detected in tap water, fogs and in the clouds. Presented paper reviews: - the methods used for detecting plant viruses in waters samples, - the forms and stages of infectious plant viruses in natural waters, - methods of long distance water-transmission of plant viruses including the origins of virus particles in surface waters and mechanisms of plant infections, - epidemiological consequences of water-born and air-born plant virus discovery.