A Comprehensive Review of Calimoviridae Family Viruses in Crop Plants: Impacts on Environment, Agriculture, and Human Health

The Caulimoviridae family consists of plant viruses characterized by circular double-stranded DNA genomes ranging in size from 7.1 to 9.8 kilobases, lacking a viral envelope. These viruses mainly infect monocot and dicot plants, though each species typically has a restricted host range. Some members of this group are responsible for economically impactful diseases in tropical and subtropical crops, with Cauliflower mosaic disease being among the most prominent examples. The viral genome is packaged by coat proteins into either isometric or cylindrical virions. Natural transmission predominantly occurs via aphids, while laboratory conditions enable artificial transmission through mechanical methods. These viruses are classified as pararetroviruses due to their reliance on reverse transcription during replication. Additionally, endogenous viral elements derived from this family are integrated into plant genomes and may become activated under stress, leading to infections. Common symptoms of infection include irregular chlorotic spotting and mosaic patterns on leaves. Infected cells exhibit non-membranous spherical or oval-shaped viral inclusions within their cytoplasm. Control strategies typically involve insecticide application, removal of infected plants, and measures aimed at curbing vector activity. Nevertheless, achieving complete control remains difficult owing to rapid transmission facilitated by insects.