Dissecting Diagnostic and Management Strategies for Plant Viral Diseases: What Next?

Abstract

Recent advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized plant disease diagnosis and management. This review focuses on disease diagnosis through serological techniques, isothermal amplification methods, CRISPR-based approaches, and management strategies using RNA-based methods. Exploring high-throughput sequencing and RNA interference (RNAi) technologies like host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), this review delves into their potential. Despite the precision offered by RNAi in pest and pathogen management, challenges such as off-target effects and efficient dsRNA delivery persist. This review discusses the significance of these strategies in preventing aphid-mediated plant virus transmission, emphasizing the crucial role of meticulous dsRNA design for effective viral RNA targeting while minimizing harm to plant RNA. Despite acknowledged challenges, including off-target effects and delivery issues, this review underscores the transformative potential of RNA-based strategies in agriculture. Envisaging reduced pesticide dependency and enhanced productivity, these strategies stand as key players in the future of sustainable agriculture.