Common Diseases: Viruses

Biology

Viruses are submicroscopic in size, which means that they can be seen only with an electron microscope. Viruses are introduced into host plants by various means, including vectors such as insects, fungi, and nematodes. Tools can spread some viral diseases. Tobacco users can even transfer the tobacco mosaic virus from their hands to plant tissue. Leaf and fruit mosaics, stunting, severe distortion, chlorosis along veins and ringspots may be symptoms of virus infections.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Destroy infected plants if the virus is transmissible.
• Purchase disease-free plants.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

None recommended.

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