Strawberry ilarvirus

Pathogen and disease type. Strawberry Ilarvirus (often associated with Ilarvirus slv) is a viral pathogen belonging to the Bromoviridae family. It causes systemic infection, spreading through the vascular tissues of the plant. The disease is known for its ability to persist in the host for long periods, often without showing immediate or severe symptoms, which complicates early detection.

Affected crops. The primary host is the garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). However, the virus has a broad host range, including various wild weed species that serve as reservoirs, allowing the pathogen to persist in the field environment between growing seasons.

Symptoms and signs. Typical symptoms include chlorotic spots, mosaic patterns, or ring-shaped lesions on the leaves. Infected plants may exhibit stunted growth, leaf deformation, and shortened petioles. During the fruiting stage, the virus causes poor yield, misshapen fruits, and an overall reduction in plant vigor, significantly impacting fruit quality.

Development and spread. The virus is primarily spread through infected nursery stock (vegetative propagation). Transmission can also occur via pollen during flowering or through soil-borne vectors like nematodes. Environmental factors such as high humidity and optimal temperatures for plant growth often facilitate the rapid movement of the virus within an infected plantation.

Damage and prevention. The economic damage is significant due to cumulative yield loss and the shortened lifespan of the strawberry beds. Since there is no chemical cure for viral infections in plants, focus must be on rigorous prevention strategies.

• Strict use of certified, virus-free planting material.
• Prompt removal and destruction of symptomatic plants.
• Stringent weed control to eliminate alternative hosts.
• Effective management of insect and nematode vectors through integrated pest management.