Stage-Specific Biomarkers for Papaya Sticky Disease Using the Molecular Profile of Carica papaya (L.) Leaf Extracts: A Chromatographic Approach

Cultivated Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) orchards are threatened by papaya sticky disease (PSD) caused by PMeV viral complex, leading to significant losses in fruit quality and production decline. Secondary metabolites with potential antiviral activity may serve as disease progression markers aiding in early diagnosis and chromatographic approach can assist in this detection. Here, the molecular profiles of crude extracts from C. papaya leaves in the initial stage of development and postflowering stages, with and without PSD symptoms, were evaluated using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, reverse-phase, and ion-exchange chromatography. Analytical parameters and chromatographic-based results indicate quantitatively higher chromatographic peaks in the initial stage leaf extract compared to postflowering leaf extracts, potentially reflecting the plant’s defense response against viral infection. This study aimed to identify biomarkers for PSD through the molecular profiling of C. papaya leaf extracts in different stages of the plant. Early disease detection using these biomarkers holds promise for reducing postharvest losses and ensuring fruit safety and quality for consumers allied to the existing diagnosis techniques.