Vol. 9, Special Issue 3, Part C (2025)

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), belonging to the family Closteroviridae, represents one of the most complex viruses having a very complicated genome and morphology. It is the most destructive virus infecting Citrus which is responsible for loss of more than 100 million trees globally. The virus replicates in the phloem cells of a few species under the family Rutaceae and is transmitted mainly by infected planting materials and aphid vector. CTV epidemics have been recorded from several parts of the world in the past century. Various diagnostic methods like biological assay in certain indicator plants, serology-based ELISA and molecular-based PCR have helped in the detection and molecular characterization of CTV isolates present globally. Proper preventive, quarantine and legislative measures are necessary to prevent the spread of this dreaded virus to new Citrus growing areas where it is not present or its occurrence is limited. Cross protection is one of the best control measures that can be adopted to protect Citrus trees from severe forms of CTV stem pitting strains. Mild strain cross protection (MSCP) can be used to control CTV in areas where the disease cannot be controlled by adopting eradication or suppression strategies against the insect vector. Additionally, RNAi based technology and RNA-based vaccination has also proved to be promising in managing the disease. The present review provides an overview of CTV regarding history of the disease and occurrence, symptomatology, host range, transmission and management with a focus to prevent its spread which has very high potentiality to reach epidemics.