These viruses are specific to papaya. Both viruses have similar particle morphologies and both can cause apical necrosis and plant death. Although neither of these rhabdoviruses were described until 1981, plants in Florida with papaya droopy necrosis symptoms were observed as early as 1947. Symptoms of the disease are much more severe during the winter than summer months. The leaves at the apex are pale yellow, do not expand normally, and are sharply recurved.
Petioles are shorter and more stiff than normal.
The crown is rounded and has a distinct bunchy appearance with very short internodes. Flowers on pistulate plants abort and fruit set ceases. Latex flows readily following wounding of PDNV-infected plants, in contrast with those infected by papaya bunchy top mycoplasma. Shortly thereafter, the stem tip becomes necrotic, and the plant eventually dies. Initial symptoms of papaya apical necrosis are yellowing of the affected plant followed by the rapid wilting and deterioration of the younger leaves.