Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a plant pathogenic virus belonging to the genus Cucumovirus. It infects a wide range of host plants, leading to significant agricultural losses.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
CMV has a multipartite genome consisting of three single-stranded RNA molecules.
The virus is primarily transmitted by aphids in a non-persistent manner.
Symptoms of CMV infection include mosaic patterns on leaves, stunted growth, and fruit deformities.
CMV can infect over 1,200 species of plants across more than 100 families.
Management strategies for CMV include using resistant plant varieties and controlling aphid populations.
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Related terms
Aphid: A small sap-sucking insect that serves as a common vector for transmitting plant viruses.
Multipartite Genome: A viral genome divided into multiple segments, each typically encapsidated separately.
Non-persistent Transmission: A mode of virus transmission where the vector acquires and transmits the virus quickly without long-term retention.