Viroids: Infectious RNA Agents Causing Devastating Plant Diseases and Their Control Measures

Viroid

Smallest pathogens knownshort strand of circular RNANo protein coat or envelopeViroids cause disease in plants

Viroids are infectious agents that are smaller than viruses and consist of a short strand of circular RNA. They lack a protein coat, unlike viruses, and are solely dependent on the host cell machinery for their replication. Viroids are known to infect plants and cause a wide range of diseases, including stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced crop yields.

Viroids are typically transmitted through infected plant tissues, such as pruning shears or agricultural tools. Once they enter a plant cell, they target specific RNA molecules and disrupt their function, leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis and ultimately cell death. Viroids can be classified based on their nucleotide sequences and cause a range of diseases in different plant species.

There is no known cure for viroid infections, and control measures typically involve quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease, use of certified disease-free plants, and removal and destruction of infected plants. Development of resistant crop varieties using genetic engineering techniques is also being explored.

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