Strawberry crinkle virus

The pathogen responsible for the disease is Alphacytorhabdovirus alphafragariae, historically known as the Strawberry crinkle virus. Belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, this virus causes a persistent systemic infection. It invades the plant's vascular system, causing long-term physiological stress that compromises the entire plant structure.

The primary host for this pathogen is the cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). While the severity of symptoms can vary between cultivars, virtually all commercial strawberry varieties are susceptible to this virus, which poses a significant threat to global berry production.

Typical symptoms include distinct crinkling and unevenness of the leaves, chlorotic spots that eventually develop into necrotic lesions, and overall stunting of the plant. Infected plants show reduced vigor, poor fruit set, and significant deformation of the berries, leading to massive economic losses for growers.

The disease is spread primarily by the strawberry aphid (Chaetosiphon fragaefolii). As a persistent vector, the aphid acquires the virus after feeding on infected plant sap and remains a carrier for the remainder of its life, effectively transmitting the pathogen to healthy plants during subsequent feeding events.

Effective management focuses entirely on prevention, as there is no chemical or biological cure for viral infections in strawberries. Recommended strategies include:

• Planting only virus-indexed, certified nursery stock.
• Implementing rigorous integrated pest management (IPM) to control aphid populations.
• Prompt roguing (removal and destruction) of any symptomatic plants to prevent the spread of the virus within the field.