Re: seeds from fruit with mosaic virus
- To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: seeds from fruit with mosaic virus
- From: S*@aol.com
- Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1999 23:59:59 EST
- List-Archive: <http://www.mallorn.com/lists/pumpkins/> (Web Archive)
In a message dated 11/28/99 4:25:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,
paulie@home.msen.com writes:
> Granted, AGs are not cucurbita pepo. However, if a close relative of an AG
> can transmit the virus through fully a third of infected seed, it's not
> much of a stretch in my (according to you, paranoid) mind to believe a
> similar result might be found in cucurbita maxima.
>
> Now, knowing your attention to detail, I assume you already have had your
> plant tested and you know which variety of mosaic with which you are
> dealing. There seem to be many that can infect pumpkins -- each with a
> different transmission method. Which do you have?
>
I haven't had the time or money to have the variety or strain isolated, since
it wouldn't help me much, they are all "incurable". I am assuming it is
cucumber mosaic cucumovirus, but don't know what strain it is, (i.e. A-CMV,
E-CMV, L-CMV, N-CMV, P-CMV, Z-CMV, WAI/WAII, etc.). It wouldn't really do me
much good to go through the expense of testing, and I don't have the money.
But hey, if you or anyone else wants to do a tissue/sap analysis I would be
glad to send them samples.
> Your termite analogy, unfortunately, does not stand up well. There are
> known remedies for termites; they are controllable. What is the remedy for
> mosaic? You've done the research. Enlighten me, please. I really want to
> know.
>
There isn't any current "remedy". I never said there was.
> Personally, until I see some proof that seeds cannot (no, not just "are not
> likely to") transmit mosaic to my garden, I will avoid any and all suspect
> seeds.
>
> Paul
Exactly, I agree. That is why I plan on getting some test plants grown by
willing growers in the southern hemisphere or tropical areas over the winter
to see if there are any virus problems. But the point is I have seen NO
evidence why I should destroy all of my seeds. If there was a 80% chance or
higher of transmission via seed, O.K., but come on. The genetics are worth a
slightly increased (if any) risk of virus transmission. There might also be a
way of eradicating any remnant virus in the seed with some sort of treatment,
I have to look into that further though.
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