What is viroid?
A pathogen made only of single-stranded RNA, causes disease in plants that is passed through seeds or pollen
Viroids are small, single-stranded, circular RNA molecules that infect plants. They are the smallest known infectious agents and do not have a protein coat (capsid) like viruses. Viroids are typically 250-400 nucleotides long, and they replicate autonomously through a RNA-directed RNA polymerase enzyme that they carry with them.
Viroids cause a number of plant diseases, including potato spindle tuber disease, citrus exocortis and chrysanthemum stunt. The symptoms of viroid infections vary, but they can include stunted growth, leaf curling, yellowing, and necrosis. Viroids are mainly transmitted mechanically through plant sap, contaminated tools, or infected seeds.
Viroids do not infect animals or humans, which means that they do not pose a threat to human health. However, they can have a significant impact on agricultural production and food security. Because they are difficult to detect and control, prevention remains the best strategy to manage viroid diseases.
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