Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) does not affect only cucumbers. It also targets:
The disease is primarily spread by aphids, but it can also be spread by cucumber beetles and on gardening tools. The virus overwinters in perennial weeds.
Symptoms
- Stunted, unusually bushy plants.
- Thin, rough, curled leaves with mottled coloring.
- Reduced yields.
- Small, bumpy, misshapen fruits.
Treatment
There is no cure for CMV. Destroy diseased plants immediately. Nearby weeds should be pulled and destroyed, as well.
Prevention
If cucumber mosaic virus is a recurring problem in your garden, switch to disease-resistant varieties. Also try to avoid planting host species in close proximity. For instance, separate cucumbers and tomatoes with another vegetable that is not susceptible to the virus, such as corn.
To break the life cycle of CMV, destroy any weeds that it might hide in, particularly catnip, milkweed, and ground cherry. Also control aphids, cucumber beetles, and other potential insect vectors.
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