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Lettuce: Beet western yellows virus

Leaves of lettuce showing yellowing of older leaves at the margins and midribs remaining green.
Oldest leaves turn yellow prematurely, typically beginning at the margins and progressing in; veins and midribs tend to remain green.
Photo by: Melodie Putnam, 1992, PNW Pest Management Handbooks

Biology

Beet Western Yellows is a virus which affects many garden plants and weed species. The virus is transmitted by aphids, including the green peach aphid.

Older leaves are affected first. Yellowing begins at the margin and progresses inward, with the veins typically remaining green. The disease results in reduced, abnormal growth of the plants. Symptoms tend to be worse when unfavorable conditions such as poor nutrition or poor root development are also present.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

  • Plant tolerant varieties such as ‘Salinas’.
  • Controlling weeds in and around the garden may help reduce the overwintering virus reservoir.
  • Aphid control is ineffective in preventing disease, as the virus is easily spread by only a few aphids.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Always read and follow label directions when working with pesticides.

  • None recommended.

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