Papaya Sticky Disease Management: Biotechnological Strategies as Sustainable Alternatives to Roguing

Papaya sticky disease (PSD) is one of the most significant viral diseases affecting papaya ( Carica papaya ) crops in key producing countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico. The disease is characterized by the spontaneous exudation of latex from infected fruit and leaves. In Brazil, PSD is caused by a viral complex comprising the fusagravirus papaya meleira virus (PMeV) and the unclassified umbra-like virus papaya meleira virus 2 (PMeV2). The first reports of symptomatic fruit occurred in northeastern Brazil in the 1980s, but the identification of PMeV as one of the etiological agents occurred only in 2003. Subsequent outbreaks were reported in Mexico in 2012, Australia in 2018, and Ecuador in 2021. While the vector of PMeV remains unknown, the leafhopper Empoasca papayae has been confirmed to transmit the umbra-like virus in Mexico. PSD represents a significant threat to the sustainability of this economically important crop. Current management relies heavily on roguing (removal of symptomatic plants) to limit viral spread, as the persistence of inoculum in the field can result in infection of nearly 100% of the orchard. Ongoing research aims to elucidate the interactions between PMeV/PMeV2 and their host. In this context, biotechnological approaches represent a promising strategy for developing PSD-resistant papaya varieties. Information © The Authors 2026.