Cucumber mosaic virus

Definition

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a plant virus that infects a wide range of host plants, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers, leading to significant agricultural losses. The virus is known for its ability to cause mottled leaves, stunted growth, and reduced fruit yield. CMV is a member of the family Bromoviridae and is transmitted primarily by aphids, making it a serious threat in agricultural settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cucumber mosaic virus can infect over 1,000 different plant species, making it one of the most widespread plant viruses.
2. Symptoms of CMV infection include yellowing, mottling of leaves, and reduced growth rates, which can severely impact crop yields.
3. The virus can be transmitted mechanically through handling infected plants or tools, as well as through aphid feeding.
4. Resistance to CMV has been developed in some cucumber and tomato varieties through selective breeding.
5. Control measures for CMV include the use of insecticides to manage aphid populations and the removal of infected plants to prevent spread.

Review Questions

• How does cucumber mosaic virus affect plant health and agricultural productivity?
  • Cucumber mosaic virus significantly impacts plant health by causing symptoms like mottled leaves, stunted growth, and poor fruit development. Infected plants experience reduced photosynthesis due to leaf discoloration, which leads to lower overall yields. This reduction in productivity can have serious economic consequences for farmers reliant on crops such as cucumbers and tomatoes.
• Discuss the role of aphids in the transmission of cucumber mosaic virus and its implications for disease management strategies.
  • Aphids play a crucial role in the transmission of cucumber mosaic virus by acting as vectors that spread the virus from infected to healthy plants. Their ability to reproduce rapidly and feed on a wide range of host plants makes them a significant threat in agricultural environments. Effective disease management strategies must focus on controlling aphid populations using insecticides or introducing natural predators, alongside practices like crop rotation and removing infected plants.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of breeding resistance into cucumber and tomato varieties against cucumber mosaic virus and the impact this has on agricultural sustainability.
  • Breeding resistance into cucumber and tomato varieties has proven to be an effective strategy against cucumber mosaic virus, providing farmers with cultivars that exhibit less susceptibility to infection. This approach enhances agricultural sustainability by reducing the need for chemical controls like insecticides and minimizing crop losses. As resistant varieties become more prevalent, they can help maintain food security and promote environmentally friendly farming practices, ultimately contributing to a more resilient agricultural system.

Related terms

Aphid: Small sap-sucking insects that serve as vectors for many plant viruses, including cucumber mosaic virus.

Mosaic disease: A common term used to describe various viral infections in plants characterized by mottled or variegated leaf patterns.

Viral replication: The process by which a virus replicates its genetic material and produces new virus particles within a host plant.