Cucumber Mosaic

Basic Information | Advanced Information | Diagnostic Information


A. Chin & S. A. Miller

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has one of the largest host ranges of all plant viruses, including nearly 1,200 plant species worldwide.  Many of these hosts are economically important vegetable and ornamental crops, such as tomato, cucumber, pepper, spinach, lettuce, beans, and more.  This virus is transmitted by 80 different aphid species in a nonpersistent manner.  Infected tomato plants acquire a light and dark green mosaic and malformation of the foliage and the fruits have internal browning due to cell collapse.  The overall growth of the plant is stunted and low quantities of fruit are produced.  The most effective way to manage CMV is sanitation of agricultural equipment and weeds that harbor the virus.

Scientific Name

Cucumber mosaic virus

Important High Tunnel Host Crops

  • Cucurbits
  • Pepper
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato

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Pictures depicting CMV symptoms on tomato plants (top left) and pepper plants.