The Evolving Landscapes of Invisible Invaders: Global Insights on Plant Viruses and Vector Complexes

Plant viral diseases remain an important constraint to agricultural production in many parts of the world. In recent decades, emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens have gained prominence, with increasing reports across a wide range of cropping systems. The rapid spread of these viruses is driven by factors such as globalization, expansion of international trade, intensive monocropping, and changing climatic conditions. In many pathosystems, insect vectors such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and leafhoppers play a central role in dispersal by facilitating virus transmission between hosts and across geographical boundaries. The epidemiology of viral diseases is influenced by complex interactions among the virus, vector, host plant and environmental factors. Climate-driven shifts primarily in temperature can affect vector dynamics, host susceptibility, and virus accumulation, thereby intensifying the frequency and severity of viral outbreaks. The genetic diversity and evolutionary flexibility of plant viruses further contribute to their capacity to adapt to new hosts and overcome previously effective resistance sources deployed in cultivated varieties. Members of the genera Polerovirus, Crinivirus, Fabavirus, Trichovirus, Tobamovirus, Begomovirus, and Orthotospovirus are prominent emerging and re-emerging pathogens reported worldwide and continue to attract attention because of their economic significance. This review provides a global overview of emerging plant viruses, their epidemiology, and advances in detection, transmission, and management strategies aimed at mitigating future virus-induced crop losses.