Global scenario of viruses infecting papaya

Papaya (Carica papaya), a member of the family Caricaceae, is an important fruit crop extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States of America. Originally native to Central and North America, its global distribution is attributed to its adaptability to diverse climates and soil conditions. Renowned for its exceptional nutritional value, papaya is widely utilized in medicinal and pharmaceutical applications, with all parts of the plant offering therapeutic benefits. Despite its economic significance, papaya cultivation faces major challenges due to various biotic and abiotic factors, particularly viral diseases. Among these, papaya ringspot and leaf curl diseases are the most prevalent globally, often causing yield losses of up to 100%. To date, 22 viruses from diverse groups including potyviruses, begomoviruses, alfamoviruses, potexviruses, sobemoviruses, rhabdoviruses and unassigned viruses have been identified as infecting papaya. These viruses are primarily transmitted by vectors such as aphids, whiteflies, and leafhoppers. In addition, some viruses, including those responsible for papaya lethal yellowing and sticky diseases, exhibit seed transmissibility. A comprehensive understanding of the distribution, impact on yield, and transmission mechanisms of these viruses is essential for developing effective disease management strategies in papaya cultivation. This review systematically compiles and summarizes information on all known viruses reported to infect papaya worldwide.