Cucumber mosaic viruses (CMV) are a group of plant viruses that primarily infect a wide range of plant species, causing significant damage to crops and ornamental plants. CMV belongs to the Bromoviridae family and is classified under the genus Cucumovirus.
These viruses are named after their common association with cucumbers, which were some of the first plants found to be affected by CMV. However, CMV can infect over 1,200 plant species, including many economically important crops like tomatoes, peppers, beans, and lettuce.
CMV is transmitted primarily by aphids, although it can also spread through mechanical means such as contaminated tools or hands. Once a plant is infected, CMV can rapidly spread throughout the entire plant systemically, leading to various symptoms that depend on the host plant species. These symptoms can include mosaic patterns on leaves, stunted growth, leaf curling, yellowing of veins, and reduced production.
The impact of CMV on crops can be severe, resulting in significant yield losses and economic damage to farmers. Control measures for CMV mainly focus on preventing its spread, which involves the use of disease-free seeds, employing insecticides against aphid vectors, and practicing proper sanitation and hygiene in cultivating plants.
Furthermore, the development of resistant plant varieties through breeding or genetic engineering has shown some success in managing CMV. Research efforts also focus on understanding the complex interactions between CMV and its host plants to develop effective management strategies and control measures against this detrimental plant virus.
