Abstract:[Objective] Potyvirus is one of the largest plant virus genus, causing significant losses in a broad range of host. We give an objective analysis of the development trend on Potyvirus in worldwide by bibliographic database, provide a reference for Potyvirus scientists and policy makers, and promote Potyvirus research work. [Methods] Based on Web of Science database, the countries, the authors, institutions, papers journals and research area of the Potyvirus literature published in 1985?2012 all over the world, are carried out quantitative and qualitative analysis. [Results] The number of Potyvirus documents published were totally 2 442 from more than 60 countries. At the same time, each literature citation frequency and the H index of every country, institution or the author were retrieved. The output of the Potyvirus research papers in worldwide was a steady upward trend since 1991. According to the quantity and quality of literature in the statistics, the United State was the best, followed by France, Spain, Australia and England. There were more core authors in the United States. The research hotspot in Potyvirus was the gene silence and molecular biology, and the research area tend to viral host (such as gene silencing, host resistance, the interaction virus-host) and interdiscipli-nary. There is a great distance between China and the international advanced level, including less research efforts and the less high papers. [Conclusion] The United States in the research field is at the top. China need to put more efforts to shorten the gap.
