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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

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Lettuce

Alfalfa Mosaic

Pathogen: Alfalfa mosaic virus

(Reviewed 8/07, updated 8/07)

In this Guideline:

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

Symptoms of alfalfa mosaic include bright yellow mosaic or calico pattern on leaves. Older leaves develop a yellow mottle with enlarged veins. Infected plants may be stunted.

COMMENTS ON THE DISEASE

The host range of Alfalfa mosaic virus is very large (experimentally, alfalfa mosaic virus has been shown to infect 430 plant species in 51 families). The virus is transmitted by many aphid species. Seed transmission of alfalfa mosaic virus has been demonstrated in hosts such as alfalfa but not in lettuce. The primary inoculum source is probably nearby infected plants, especially alfalfa.

MANAGEMENT

Control measures are usually not warranted because alfalfa mosaic is a minor disease of lettuce. To avoid the disease, do not plant immediately adjacent to alfalfa.

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Lettuce
UC ANR Publication 3450
Diseases
S. T. Koike, UC Cooperative Extension, Monterey County
R. M. Davis, Plant Pathology, UC Davis

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