Papaya ringspot virus-Carica papaya pathosystem

Abstract

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The adaptability of this plant, which is one of the major fruit crops grown in the tropics, confer it considerable market advantages. The main papayaproducing countries in 2016 were India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cuba, with 85% of world production. In addition, approximately 33% of the global papaya production was concentrated in the American continent, being one of the three most widely consumed fruits in the region.Maradol roja is one of the most widely cultivated papaya cultivars in the American continent. This cultivar (cv.) has the potential to produce up to 100 tons per hectare during the first year; however, these yields are not usually achieved, mainly owing to phytosanitary and management problems. Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is one of the most destructive diseases on this crop. Studies of the management of the PRSV-papaya pathosystem revealed the importance of integrating several strategies to mitigate virus incidence in production areas. These strategies include nursery protection, crop rotation, use of crop barriers, management of host plants, and vector signaling. This chapter presents general aspects of papaya crops. Moreover, characterization, epidemiology, and management of the disease caused by PRSV are addressed.