Strawberry potexvirus

Strawberry potexvirus, taxonomically classified as Potexvirus fragariae, is a viral disease affecting strawberry cultivation worldwide. The virus belongs to the Alphaflexiviridae family and causes systemic infections in host plants, meaning the pathogen spreads through the vascular system, impacting the plant's physiological functions and overall development.

The primary host for this pathogen is the cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). The virus can infect various plant tissues, including leaves, petioles, and stolons. Because the symptoms are often mild or entirely absent during the early stages, the virus can persist in field collections or nurseries unnoticed for extended periods.

Symptoms of infection may include mild chlorosis, mosaic-like patterns on leaves, and occasional leaf crinkling. In more advanced stages of infection, plants may exhibit reduced vigor, poor runner production, and decreased fruit yields. The diagnostic difficulty arises because these symptoms are often confused with nutrient deficiencies or damage caused by other environmental stressors.

The primary mode of transmission is through the propagation of infected planting material. Because strawberries are vegetatively propagated, the virus is easily passed from mother plants to runners. Furthermore, the virus is mechanically transmissible, often spread by farm workers using contaminated tools during pruning, weeding, or harvesting operations.

Effective management of Strawberry potexvirus relies on rigorous sanitation and prevention strategies. Since there is no chemical cure for viral infections in plants, farmers must focus on the following:

• Utilizing certified virus-free planting stock obtained through meristem culture.
• Implementing strict sanitation protocols for pruning and maintenance tools.
• Regularly monitoring fields for symptoms and rogueing out infected plants.
• Maintaining healthy soil conditions to reduce plant susceptibility to secondary stressors.