Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a widespread and highly contagious virus that can affect squash, cucumber, melon, cucurbits, tomatoes, peppers, and more than 800 other plant species. This virus causes a variety of symptoms on plant leaves, stems, and fruit and can lead to significant economic losses.
Characteristics of the Virus:
Symptoms:
- Mosaic Pattern: Yellow and green mottling or mosaic pattern on leaves.
- Growth Retardation: Plant growth slows down and may become dwarfed.
- Deformation: Curling, wrinkling, swelling and deformity in leaves.
- Fruit Abnormalities: Color change, deformity, shrinkage and depressions in fruits.
Ways of Infection:
- Aphids: The virus is transmitted mechanically by aphids.
- Seed Transmission: In some cases, it can be spread through infected seeds.
- Contaminated Tools and Human Activity: Can be transmitted through gloves, scissors, or other tools that come into contact with infected plants.
Control Methods:
- Resistant Varieties: Use of virus-resistant seed and seedling varieties.
- Vector Control: Use of insecticides against aphids and other insect vectors.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: Regular cleaning of tools, equipment and hands.
- Eradication of Infected Plants: Rapid removal of diseased plants from the field and destruction.
- Mixed Planting and Weed Control: Controlling weeds carrying the virus and performing mixed planting.
Importance:
Squash Mosaic Virus can cause significant production losses, especially in hot and humid regions. It is important to implement an integrated management strategy to control the virus.
HOW IS IT APPLIED?
Viron top application;
It’s applied as a top wash by adding 100 CC to 100 liters of water or 1 liter of VIRON to 1,000 liters of water. Depending on the severity of the disease, it should be applied twice, on Day 1 and Day 5. If necessary, the application can be repeated weekly or every 10 days.
