Viruses (Apr 2024)

Viral Threats to Fruit and Vegetable Crops in the Caribbean

  • Paula Tennant,
  • Sephra Rampersad,
  • Angela Alleyne,
  • Lloyd Johnson,
  • Deiondra Tai,
  • Icolyn Amarakoon,
  • Marcia Roye,
  • Patrice Pitter,
  • Peta-Gaye Chang,
  • Lisa Myers Morgan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/v16040603
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 4
p. 603

Abstract

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Viruses pose major global challenges to crop production as infections reduce the yield and quality of harvested products, hinder germplasm exchange, increase financial inputs, and threaten food security. Small island or archipelago habitat conditions such as those in the Caribbean are particularly susceptible as the region is characterized by high rainfall and uniform, warm temperatures throughout the year. Moreover, Caribbean islands are continuously exposed to disease risks because of their location at the intersection of transcontinental trade between North and South America and their role as central hubs for regional and global agricultural commodity trade. This review provides a summary of virus disease epidemics that originated in the Caribbean and those that were introduced and spread throughout the islands. Epidemic-associated factors that impact disease development are also discussed. Understanding virus disease epidemiology, adoption of new diagnostic technologies, implementation of biosafety protocols, and widespread acceptance of biotechnology solutions to counter the effects of cultivar susceptibility remain important challenges to the region. Effective integrated disease management requires a comprehensive approach that should include upgraded phytosanitary measures and continuous surveillance with rapid and appropriate responses.

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