Re: Plant Viruses
- To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Plant Viruses
- From: P*@aol.com
- Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 22:24:19 EDT
In a message dated 98-05-29 14:27:39 EDT, you write:
<< Subj: Plant Viruses
Date: 98-05-29 14:27:39 EDT
From: COMPUTRESE@aol.com
Sender: owner-pumpkins@mallorn.com
Reply-to: pumpkins@mallorn.com
To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
Hey, all:
Wondering if any of you have had experience with viruses on your AG plants.
Seems that there is evidence of viruses in a small patch of hybrid pepo
pumpkins I have adjacent to the AG field. The virus is characterized by
strange, pointed leaf growth, and blotchy leaves. Most of the virus activity
is on new growth.
Dr. Al Ferrer, plant disease specialist here in FL looked the field over and
so far, we have only noticed this in the hybrid varieties. He feels the weeds
at the edge of the field are probably the cause. The fix? watch ans see for
now, may have to pull plants to correct problem and arrest spread.
Any one out there who has had viruses of this sort, please share your
experiences.
I have noticed that some of the new female blossoms on the hybrids are yellow
and blotchy. Wondered if this is a mutation from the daconil use, and not a
virus at all? Anyone else have any similar experience?
>>
Barbi,
Tough to say without seeing it. I had Watermellon Mosaic Virus II for years
at the Sunny Valley Farm. Virus tends to show on the new growth and the leaves
will look blotchy with darker green raised welts. The leaves will get smaller
and yellow AG females will get green blotches also. I have talked to many
experts about this and to my knowledge there is no good preventative or cure.
Some varieties are more resistant to it. Weaker plants seem to get it first
and then the healthier plants shortly afterwards. Aphids are a common vector.
Spraying for aphids may delay it slightly but it still shows up. The AGs next
to the virus patch will probably get it soon. If you already have fruit set,
those fruit will not be affected. You will start to see the greening on the
new little females. I don't know how prevalent the virus is in the State of
Florida. The only way to stop it is to get away to a different location. In
Connecticut where I live, the virus tends to be in the valley areas where alot
of farming is done. In the upland areas there is less of it.
pumkinguy@aol.com
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