Strawberry latent ringspot

Strawberry latent ringspot is a plant viral disease caused by Stralarivirus fragariae. This virus affects the plant's vascular system, causing systemic infection that stunts growth and dramatically reduces the yield of strawberry plantations, making it a significant threat to commercial production.

The virus has a wide host range, infecting not only strawberries but also various fruit shrubs, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Its ability to persist in different hosts makes it extremely difficult to eradicate once it has been introduced into an agricultural area, as it can survive in the soil through natural hosts.

Symptoms in strawberries are often subtle, hence the term "latent." Typical signs include chlorotic spots, ring patterns, and mosaic patterns on the foliage. In more severe cases, leaves may become distorted or crinkled, and the overall plant vigor declines, resulting in smaller, malformed fruits that are not suitable for market.

The primary vector for the transmission of this virus is the soil-dwelling nematode of the genus Xiphinema. These nematodes acquire the virus by feeding on the roots of infected plants and subsequently transmit it to healthy ones. Additionally, the use of infected runners for propagation is a major pathway for spreading the disease across new fields.

• Use of certified virus-tested planting material.
• Soil testing for the presence of vector nematodes before planting.
• Crop rotation with non-host plants to reduce nematode populations.
• Strict weed control to eliminate alternative virus reservoirs.
• Immediate rogueing and destruction of symptomatic plants.

The economic impact of this disease is significant due to the gradual loss of productivity in infested fields. Since the virus is transmitted through propagation material, infected nurseries can cause widespread outbreaks. Integrated management focusing on prevention and the use of healthy, resistant material remains the only sustainable way to mitigate losses.