Learn About the Various Types of Mosaic Viruses
How to Identify Mosaic Viruses and Damage
Viral diseases are difficult to identify because symptoms vary from plant to plant and may also vary depending on the age of the plant and its growing conditions. However, the most common ways of identifying mosaic viruses are listed below.
- The leaves are mottled with yellow, white, and light and dark green spots, which appear to be elevated. This gives the leaves a blister-like appearance.
- Plants are often stunted, or they grow poorly.
- Plants may have other deformities, and their leaves may be crinkled or wavy.
- Cucumber mosaic virus: Infected plants are stunted and often exhibit “shoestring syndrome,” a characteristic malformation in which the edges of the leaves fail to develop, with the leaf veins developing as long, narrow strips. Tomatoes are small and misshapen.
- Tobacco mosaic virus: Infected plants have mottled, yellowed leaves and twisted or deformed young growth.
Photo Credit: University of California.
Catherine Boeckmann
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Do traces of the virus remain in the soil? I assume when pulling out infected plants, we should get all of the roots so none of the virus remains, but I am curious about any organic matter in the soil retaining the virus and transmitting it to any new plant planted in that spot.
Dear Mary,
Yes, traces can remain in the soil. Indeed, you’ll want to remove the roots, as much as possible. Below are more tips to minimize the damage.
Good luck!
—The Editors
To combat mosaic viruses:
- Remove all infected plants and destroy them.
- Do NOT put them in the compost pile, as the virus may persist in infected plant matter.
- Burn infected plants or throw them out with the garbage.
- Monitor the rest of your plants closely, especially those that are located near infected plants.
- Disinfect gardening tools after every use.
- Keep a bottle of a weak bleach solution or other antiviral disinfectant to wipe your tools down with.
Has anyone tried planting aromatic plants that are effective against viruses in area that had been infected with the mosaic virus? I am thinking of melissia/bee balm, oregano, thyme. I may try a solution to mix in soil with essential oils effective against viruses, too. Anyone have experience using natural methods to purify the soil? Thanks
There have been some studies. To date, only thyme Essential Oil showed significant antiviral activity, but it has to be applied to the soil before the virus, not after. Perhaps plant some thyme and see if it helps!
Great advice and guide.
Thanks, Cephas!
I have had a problem with this virus for three year, starts in my potatoes then to beans and then to tomatoes. Complete new bed this year and soil, and still my early potatoes are showing the sign of the virus. Are you saying pull all those plants out but then what can I do to the bed to try and eradicate it regards Jeff
I planted one Jostaberry bush beside my red currants. It's leaves (top surface) are now covered with tan colored lines along the leaf veins. The leaves are green but for the tan areas. There is no other color, spots or mildew. If this is a virus, should l just dig up the Jostaberry bush and burn it? It was planted this spring, saw no flowers/fruit. The bush is about 4' tall. Thanks for your help.
Hi Kathy,
It’s hard to tell at that stage if the bush is infected with mosaic virus, so wait and monitor it closely. If the leaves continue to show signs over the next week, the smart move is to be proactive and dispose of the plant before others nearby get infected.
Gday mate I was clearing out some soil of a plant which I didnt know had mosaic. At this stage im still not too sure so but nonetheless, I poured the soil indiscriminately into my backyard. Any tips?
