<p>Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is one of the most destructive viruses of papaya, causing heavy yield losses and serious economic damage to farmers. Its impact is seen in almost all major papaya-growing regions across the world, making it a major constraint to papaya production and trade. This review presents a comprehensive overview of PRSV, beginning with its emergence, historical distribution and molecular biology, including genome structure and mechanisms of pathogenesis. The viral infection cycle, covering host invasion, replication and systemic movement is discussed alongside characteristic symptoms that facilitate field identification. Diagnostic approaches are evaluated, spanning conventional, serological and nucleic acid-based techniques, with an emphasis on advanced platforms such as next-generation sequencing. Strategies for managing PRSV are critically reviewed, including traditional control methods, breeding-based resistance and cross-protection. Special focus is placed on genetic engineering approaches, such as coat protein-mediated resistance, RNA interference and replicase gene-based resistance, which offer potential for long-term and stable control. Overall, this article brings together both classical and modern strategies for managing PRSV and aims to support future efforts to develop papaya varieties with durable resistance.</p>