Crinivirus

Crinivirus is a genus of single-stranded RNA viruses that belong to the family *Closteroviridae*. These viruses primarily infect plants and are known for causing significant economic losses in agriculture due to their ability to induce severe symptoms such as yellowing of leaves, stunting, and reduced yield in affected crops. The name "crinivirus" derives from the Latin word *crinis*, meaning "hair," which refers to the long, flexible filaments observed in infected plant tissues under an electron microscope.

Criniviruses have a distinctive morphology, characterized by long, flexuous filaments measuring approximately 700–2,000 nanometers in length. Their genome consists of a single molecule of positive-sense RNA, typically around 12–16 kilobases in length, encoding six to nine open reading frames (ORFs). The viral particles are transmitted efficiently by whiteflies (*Bemisia tabaci*), which act as both vectors and reservoirs for the virus. This mode of transmission facilitates rapid spread within and between plant populations.

Notable criniviruses include *Beet pseudo-yellows virus* (BPYV), *Carrot redleaf virus* (CarRV), and *Tomato chlorosis virus* (ToCV). These viruses exhibit a broad host range, affecting a variety of economically important crops such as tomatoes, cucurbits, lettuce, and beets. Symptoms vary depending on the host plant but often include vein clearing, leaf curling, and chlorosis (yellowing of tissue between veins).

Control measures for criniviruses primarily focus on integrated pest management strategies, including the use of resistant crop varieties, rigorous monitoring of whitefly populations, and the application of insecticides to reduce vector transmission. Molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, are commonly employed for diagnosis and early detection of infection. Research into antiviral resistance mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions continues to inform strategies for mitigating the impact of these viruses on global agriculture.