Mosaic Virus
Tobamovirus (TMV), Cucumovirus (CMV)
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameMosaic Virus
DescriptionMosaic virus causes mottled, discolored patterns on leaves, stunting plant growth. Identify symptoms and prevent spread of this incurable plant disease.
TypeVirus
FamilyVirgaviridae
GenusTobamovirus
Taxonomy & Features
OrderMartellivirales
Features
- Named for the distinctive mosaic or patchwork pattern of light and dark green, yellow, or white patches on infected leaves. Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) was the first virus ever discovered
- Creates irregular mottled patterns on leaves with patches of yellow, white, or varying shades of green. Leaves may be curled, crinkled, twisted, or develop fernleaf appearance. Virus particles are rod-shaped, 18 nm diameter
- Virus enters through wounds or mechanical damage. Hijacks plant cells to replicate viral RNA and proteins. Spreads cell-to-cell through plasmodesmata and systemically through phloem. Does not kill cells but disrupts normal function
- Leaves show mosaic mottling and distortion. Plants are stunted with reduced vigor. Fruits may be misshapen, discolored, or have yellow blotches. Flowers show color breaking. Yields significantly reduced
- Transmitted mechanically through contact with infected plants, contaminated tools, hands, or tobacco products. Some mosaic viruses spread by aphids, whiteflies, or thrips. Survives in plant debris and on surfaces for extended periods
- Virus particles are microscopic, 300-310 nm long and 18 nm wide. Symptoms visible on entire leaves and plants
- Can infect plants year-round. Spreads rapidly in warm conditions. Extremely stable and can survive for months in dried plant material, soil, and on contaminated surfaces
- Attacks tomatoes, tobacco, peppers, cucumbers, melons, squash, beans, lettuce, spinach, petunias, and over 150 other plant species
- Prevent by using resistant varieties, washing hands with soap, disinfecting tools with bleach solution, controlling insect vectors with row covers, removing weeds, rotating crops, and treating seeds with bleach or trisodium phosphate
- No cure exists. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately - do not compost. Spray with 20% milk solution as preventative for TMV. Control aphids and other vectors. Practice strict sanitation
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificTobamovirus (TMV), Cucumovirus (CMV)
English (Alternate)TMV, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Cucumber Mosaic Virus
Hindiಮೋಝೈಕ್ ವೈರಸ್ (Mosaic Virus), ಚಿತ್ಕಬ್ರಾ ರೋಗ (Chitkabra Rog)
Tamilಮೊಸೈಕ್ ವೈರಸ್ (Mosaik vairas)
Teluguಮೊಜಾಯಿಕ್ ವೈರಸ್ (Mojāyik vairas)
Malayalamಮೋಸೈಕ್ ವೈರಸ್ (Mosaik vaiṟas)
Kannadaಮೊಸಾಯಿಕ್ ವೈರಸ್ (Mosāyik vairas)
Sanskritಚಿತ್ರವರ್ಣ-ವಿಷಾಣು-ರೋಗಃ (Chitravarṇa-viṣāṇu-rogaḥ)
Bengaliಮೋಝೈಕ್ ಭೈರಸ್ (Mojāik bhāirās)
Frenchvirus de la mosaïque
Russianವಿರುಸ್ ಮೊಝೈಕಿ (virus mozaiki)
Spanishvirus del mosaico
GermanMosaik-Virus
