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.
Solutions
Buy and plant virus-free seed if available. Resistant varieties may be available. After symptoms on plants occur, there is no practical control. Reflective 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 |
