Common Name

Viruses

Description

Submicroscopic organisms plant pathogen, Transmissable by grafting diseased plants. Only seen in an electron microscope. They are absolute parasites praying on cellular organelles. Simple structure with Nucleulc acid and few proteins. Attacks diseased plants. May be mistaken for pollution, frost damage.

Life Cycle

May be transmitted by beetles, eelworms, tools, airborne.

Damage Caused

Similar to canker, stunting, leaf fall, wilting, brooms, Rotting is never seen. Leaves have yellowing, mosaics, mottling ring spots, malformation, necrosis, lack of pigment.

Control methods

Many disappear in hot weather. Do not look for symptoms in Autumn. Buy from registered stockists, check for symptoms. Maintain good hygiene. Heat treat all bulbs and plants before planting and after, store well. Use sterile plants grown by micropropagation. Virus free stocks available. Burn seriously affected plants. Rotate crops, control weeds.