Viroids are tiny single-stranded circular RNA pathogens that infect plants. Viroids do not encode any proteins, yet cause an assortment of symptoms. The following review describes viroid classification, molecular biology and spread. The review also discusses viroid pathogenesis, host interactions and detection. The review concludes with a description of future prospects in viroid research.
Keywords: classification; evolution; gene silencing; identification; pathogenicity; replication; rolling circle; trafficking; viroid-host interactions; viroids.