LSU AgCenter
Like humans and animals, plants also suffer from diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Viruses that infect plants, including many crop species, are similar to their relatives that infect humans, such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. However, COVID-19 can lead to severe illness and death for humans. As of February 2021, more than 2.2 million deaths worldwide have been attributed to COVID-19, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Fortunately, plant viruses do not infect humans and are easily eliminated by cooking. When we consume them in uncooked plant products infected by viruses, the high acidity and enzymes of our digestive system degrade most of them. There are many similarities between plant and human viruses concerning detection, spread and control methods.