Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Cucumber Fruits Showing Symptoms of Infection with CMV (William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org)
Cucumber Fruits Showing Symptoms of Infection with CMV (William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org)

Cucumber Fruits Showing Symptoms of Infection with CMV
Cucumber Fruits Showing Symptoms of Infection with CMV (Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org)

Casual Agent

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) consists of a ribonucleic acid strand (RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. 

Symptoms

Symptoms will vary from host plant species and different environmental conditions. Hosts will experience stunted growth. A light green/yellow mosaic pattern will appear on the foliage along with yellow streaking and spotting. The fruits will obtain ring spots or line patterns. Symptoms may be aggravated in high temperatures, herbicides, mineral deficiencies, or insect feeding. Viral diseases often need to be lab tested and can’t be based on symptoms alone.

Disease Cycle

This happens mechanically (worker’s hand or tools), or through aphid feeding, dodder, or grafting.

Management

  • Employ adequate sanitation. Disinfect tools used for vegetative propagation.
  • Remove infected plants. Discard virus-infected plants.
  • Control aphid populations.
  • Remove weeds. Weeds may serve as an alternate host for CMV or the aphids that spread them.