Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

Cucumber Mosaic Virus Latest News

A team of researchers recently reported developing an RNA-based antiviral agent that confers strong protection against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), a widespread and destructive plant virus.

About Cucumber Mosaic Virus 

• It is one of the most common plant viruses.
• CMV was first identified in 1916 as the causal agent of cucumber and muskmelon disease in the United States. 
• CMV infects more than 1,200 plant species, including critical food crops like cucumbers, squash, and cereals, and medicinal plants. 
• It spreads through small sap-sucking insects called aphids. 
• With nearly 90 aphid species capable of transmitting CMV, outbreaks are often difficult to contain.
• In India, CMV is responsible for 25-30% yield losses in banana plantations. In pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons, infection rates can soar up to 70%. 
• Symptoms: Affected plants develop a mosaic discolouration, stunted growth, and commercially unviable fruits.
• Management: 
  • Cultural practices and the heavy use of agrochemicals are the most common control measures for CMV. 
  • There is no known cure for cucumber mosaic.
  • Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to eliminate the plants as potential reservoirs for the virus (which can subsequently be spread to other nearby healthy plants).

Cucumber Mosaic Virus FAQs

Q1. What are the symptoms of mosaic virus?

Ans. Affected plants develop a mosaic discolouration, stunted growth, and commercially unviable fruits.

Q2. Can mosaic virus live in soil?

Ans. Mosaic viruses are challenging to control and can remain active in the soil for years.

Q3. How to treat mosaic virus on cucumbers?

Ans. Early plant removal is the best action as this reduces the level of virus in, and slows spread into, the crop. 

Source: TH