Mosaic viruses
Peppers and eggplants are susceptible to several different viruses. Many are spread by aphids, and some
are spread by seed or mechanically. Symptoms of viruses include mosaic patterns (alternating light and
dark green coloring) on leaves, leaf curling, fruit distortion, overall stunting of the plant, or death.
SolutionsMinimize plant handling and damage to reduce the dispersal of some viruses that can be spread mechanically.
For viruses transmitted by aphids, it is not practical to try to control them by using insecticides. Aluminum
foil used as a soil mulch may reduce or delay infections as it helps repel insects from plants. Pull up
plants showing symptoms; they will be unproductive and may allow disease to spread to nearby healthy plants.
Keep broadleaf weeds down, because they may serve as a reservoir of viruses and facilitate spread. Plant
resistant varieties if available.
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Cucumber
mosaic virus of pepper
Virus
symptoms on pepper fruit
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