Wind and Weather Weather Instrument Guide

Cucumber Mosaic Virus
Primarily aphids spread Cucumber Mosaic Virus, it is also spread by handling diseased plants and on contaminated tools. Infection usually occurs when plants are about 6 weeks old. The disease is very similar to zucchini mosaic virus.

Susceptible Plants- cucumber, squash, melon, celery, beans, tomato, and peppers. Ornamentals include anemone, aquilegia, begonias, campanula, dahlia, lily and primula.

Symptoms- Vary according to the plant affected. In curbits, the virus causes mottling or mosaic patterns and distortion on the leaves. Flowering is reduced, plants are stunted and may die. The fruits will be dark, small and pitted and may develop bright yellow. Leaflets are often very narrowed; this is called "shoestring". Often the leaves on one portion of the plant (e.g., the top or the bottom) show severe symptoms, while those higher or lower in the plant are less affected.

Prevention and Control- Cucumber mosaic is spread in a non-persistent manner by aphids. Seed does not spread cucumber mosaic. Control weeds, many of which are host species. Surrounding tomato fields with a taller, non-susceptible plant, such as corn, may help shield the plants from aphids blowing in from other areas. See current recommendations for control of aphids,

Choose resistant varieties. Use disease-free seed and transplants, preferably certified ones.. Use a two-year crop rotation away from susceptible species. In greenhouses, it is best to use fresh soil, as steaming soil is not 100% effective in killing the virus. If soil is to be steamed, remove all parts of the plant from the soil, including roots.

Carefully clean all plant growing equipment and all greenhouse structures that come into contact with plants. although it is generally considered that insecticides will not control this disease. The aphids pick the virus up from the plants in about a minute and are able to spread it immediately. Mineral oil sprays can be used to prevent the virus from being transmitted.. There is no cure for cucumber mosaic virus.
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