Causal Agent:
Cucumovirus (Cucumber Mosaic Virus)
| Characteristic Symptoms: | |
 |
Cucumber Mosaic Virus causes severe plant stunting, prominent yellow mosaic, malformation of leaves and reduction of leaf size and internodes. |
|
Expanding leaves typically become twisted, curl downward, and develop a "shoestring" appearance as a result of a restriction of the leaf surface to a narrow band around the midrib of the leaf. |
| Transmission: | |
|
The virus is spread in a non-persistent manner by a number of aphid species, including Myzus persicae. |
|
The virus is also transmitted mechanically through contaminated tools.
|
|
The virus affects cucurbits, solanaceous, legumes and ornamentals. |
| Management and Control: | |
|
Use of resistant varieties, if available.
|
|
Remove infected plants as early as symptoms are observed to minimize spread. |
|
Use reflective mulches to minimize aphid populations.
|
|
Eradicate weed hosts. |
|
Disinfection of tools and equipment after use |
|
Remove volunteer and weedy crucifers that may serve as alternate hosts for the pathogen. |
|
Control aphid population by spraying insecticides such as acephate (e.g.Acetam®, Compete®), chlorphenapyr (e.g. Kotasu®), penthoate (Pennant®, Videx®) or azadirachtin (neem), cartap hydrochloride (e.g. PadanⓇ, Barena 50 SP, Gemtrak®), acetamiprid (e.g. MospilanⓇ), acephate (e.g. AcetamⓇ, CompeteⓇ), chlorphenapyr (e.g. Kotetsu) or penthoate (e.g. PennantⓇ, VidexⓇ). |
References:
Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases (2010) by The American Phytopathological Society
To view other diseases, click here.
Need more help? Ask the Doctor.
