RE: CMV?
Tom,
Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is just one of many mosaic viruses that can
infect pumpkins and squash. The problem with mosaic viruses is there are no
cures available once an infection has begun. The only cure is to isolate and
kill the patient -- not a pleasant thought after you've put so much labor,
thought and money into the plant. Unfortunately, it's the only way to
eliminate the problem. The disease cannot be managed.
The viruses are transmitted in a variety of ways, including some seed
transmission -- no matter what some would have you believe. Mostly, insects
spread it. Covering your plants early in the season and applying proper
insecticides at appropriate times will reduce, but not eliminate, your
pumpkin's chances of infection. Keeping weeds down will help, as well.
Not all varieties of pumpkin and squash are susceptible to all strains of
mosaic. Here are a few Websites that might help you understand more about
the problem:
http://www.backyardgardener.com/wcgp/problems/mosaic.html
http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/ipm/fruits/cucurbit/cucurbit_mgtrec.html#Viral
http://phylogeny.arizona.edu/hypermail/vegnews/0024.html
http://image.fs.uidaho.edu/vide/descr267.htm#Range
There are others on this list who know far more about mosaic viruses than I.
It is generally accepted (obviously not by all) that mosaic infested plants
need to be destroyed -- burned -- at the first sign of infection. We owe it
to ourselves and other growers to ensure that mosaic isn't spread throughout
the pumpkin community, even when it hurts.
Fortunately, there are many, many seeds available from known sources that
are mosaic-free. We don't need to risk planting possibly infected seeds
because of the wide availability of good seeds.
Paul Thompson
Armada, Michigan
-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas Olenio [t*@sentex.net]
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2000 7:59 AM
To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
Subject: CMV?
Hello List,
What is a pumpkin CMV virus? Why is there such strong debate regarding
this issue? (newbie)
Not trying to push anyone's buttons, just want to learn.
Thank you.
Tom
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