Viroids are spread mechanically during agricultural crop maintenance and harvesting, as well as through vegetative reproduction. They may also be transmitted via insects and seeds, potentially causing severe agricultural losses and devastating economic impacts.

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Viroids are acellular, infectious agents consisting only of small, naked single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) molecules, which cause diseases in plants.

Viroids

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

The potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) is the first identified viroid. It causes potato tuber spindle disease in potato plants, which results in delayed sprouting and physical deformities such as abnormal, lumpy growths.

Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid

Tomato planta macho viroid (TPMVd) is a plant pathogen that infects tomato crops. It causes symptoms such as disfigured and brittle leaves, loss of chlorophyll, and extremely small tomatoes, which severely reduces crop productivity.

Tomato Planta Macho Viroid

Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) is the smallest known plant-infecting viroid. It causes disease in avocado plants, resulting in reduced fruit yields and poorer-quality fruit.

Avocado Sunblotch Viroid

Peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd) causes necrosis of flower buds and branches, and wounds ripened fruit, making it susceptible to secondary bacterial and fungal infections. In addition to peach trees, PLMVd infects plums, nectarines, apricots, and cherries, causing reduced productivity in these orchards.

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