A new crinivirus, hereafter referred to as strawberry Kurdistan virus (SKV), has been identified using high-throughput sequencing. The 16,553-nucleotide genome is divided into two RNA segments and exhibits 44–56% nucleotide identity with other criniviruses. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that SKV is a member of the Crinivirus group 2. A diagnostic assay was developed and used to screen for the virus in strawberry-producing areas in both Iran and the United States, yet it was only detected in the former. The virus is whitefly-transmissible and can infect several herbaceous plants besides strawberries. SKV was prominent in several areas with symptomatic plants, underscoring the importance of further research and monitoring to understand its potential impact on strawberry yield and to develop effective management strategies.
