VITN Blog Post #2: Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Almost every virus we have spoken about in Viruses in the News has been endemic to humans, animals, or bacteria. But what about plants? In a recent news report by HortiDaily, Arian Shala describes a recent epidemic in the Balkan area. The problem: cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus.

Cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus has caused immense destruction. Croatia has around 500 acres dedicated to greenhouse pepper farming. And with cucumber mosaic virus, many farmers were harvesting 40 to 80% less than they usually do for pepper. Such destruction has decreased supply for pepper, raising the price by nearly 1 euro. Tomato plants have also been affected by this epidemic.

Symptoms of cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus include stunted growth and reddish-brown stripes. And the organism that seems to transfer the disease are aphids.

Researchers are currently working towards selectively growing plants that are resistant to cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus.

See article here for more information: http://www.hortidaily.com/article/45719/Pepper-virus-wreaks-havoc-in-Balkan-horticulture

-Kyle Feliciano