Virus Diseases—Beet western yellows, Curly top,
and Cucumber mosaic
Many viruses are difficult to distinguish from one another based on symptoms alone. In addition, for
each particular disease, the symptoms will vary greatly depending on stage of plant at time of infection
and other factors. In general, virus symptoms consist of various leaf and plant deformities, stunting
and poor growth, and yellowing or mosaic or mottling pattern in the leaves. Identification of the particular
pathogenic agent can only be made with serological, inoculation, or other laboratory tests.
SolutionsBuy and plant virus-free seed if available. Resistant varieties may be available. After symptoms on plants
occur, there is no practical control. Aluminum
foil mulches or row
covers may help prevent infection by
aphid- and leafhopper-transmitted viruses. Plants showing symptoms near harvest are edible. Plants that
show symptoms early may be small or may not form heads. |
Spinach
plant infected with virus |
