What is the general treatment option for plants infected with viruses?

The general treatment option for plants infected with viruses is that there is no effective treatment available. Viruses are fundamentally different from bacteria and fungi; they invade host cells and reproduce by hijacking the plant's cellular machinery. Once a plant is infected with a virus, it is typically not possible to cure the plant because viruses cannot be eliminated in the same way that one would treat bacterial or fungal infections.

Instead of curative options, management strategies for viral infections usually focus on prevention, such as using resistant plant varieties or controlling vectors (like aphids or beetles) that spread viruses. Cultural practices, sanitation, and careful monitoring are essential for managing the threat of viral diseases in plants.

Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections but have no impact on viral infections. A surgical procedure might be helpful in the case of physical injuries or removal of diseased plant parts, not for viral infections. Fungicides are specifically designed to combat fungal pathogens and would also not be effective against viruses. Therefore, recognizing that there is no effective treatment underscores the importance of preventive measures and management practices in agricultural and horticultural pursuits.