Like most websites we use cookies. This is to ensure that we give you the best experience
possible.
Continuing to use www.plantwise.org/KnowledgeBank means you agree to our use of cookies.
If you would like to, you can learn more about the cookies we use.
Cucumber mosaic virus is transmitted by over 80 species of aphids (the most common are Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii) therefore the prevention and management of aphids is important
Plant resistant varieties if available
Do not take cuttings from an infected plant, even if it does not show symptoms since it is still likely to be infected
Remove only wild hosts of CMV such as Amaranthus, Calendula, Chenopodium, Chrysanthemum, Datura, black nightshade and clovers. Conserve other weeds to provide shelter and food to natural enemies, so they keep the aphid populations low in area where CMV occurs.
When possible, do not plant in previously infected areas
Try to plant in areas which do not have high populations of aphids
Sanitize tools and machinery. The virus is mostly aphid transmitted but can be transmitted between plant with tools
Monitoring
Additional relevant crops: cucurbits (inc. watermelon). The host range for CMV is over 1200 species.
Check plants for aphids about 7 days after planting
Keep a close check on plants after they are about 6 weeks old, looking for virus symptoms which typically start to appear from this stage onwards
Check for ants as this may be sign that aphids are present. Ants eat the honeydew produced by aphids and protect them
Symptoms can vary depending on the environmental conditions
Symptoms include:
Stunting of plants
Leaves: Mosaic pattern on growing points, yellow streaking and spotting, ring-spots or line patterns. Older leaves develop chlorotic and then necrotic areas along leaf margins which later spread over the entire leaf. Leaves may fall off
Fruit: Ring-spots or line patterns - pale green or white areas intermingled with dark green, bumpy areas. May be misshapen but with a smooth grey-white colour and irregular green areas. Not many fruits produced
Flowers: distorted colour, not many produced
Runners: not many produced
Symptoms can also be caused by high temperatures, insect feeding, growth regulators, herbicides, mineral deficiencies, and mineral excesses. CMV cannot be diagnosed from symptoms alone. A plant sample can be sent to a lab for diagnosis.
Consider taking action as soon as virus symptoms are seen
Consider taking action when you see 7 or more aphids per plant only if the virus is known in the area
Direct Control
Control aphids as they are the main vector for CMV:
Spray plants with water, or a water-soap solution, to dislodge aphids (most dislodged aphids won't be able to return to the plant). Do this when the temperature is warm so that the plants are not wet for a long time
Spray plants with a petroleum-based horticultural oil or plant derived oil such as neem or canola oil, usually recommended as a 1 to 2 % oil solution in water. This will smother and kill the aphids
Remove diseased plants from the field by placing in a bag and disposing of them (burn plant debris if you are allowed to in your area).
Leave bag in direct sunlight to kill aphids
CREATED/UPDATED: September 2017 PRODUCED BY: Plantwise
