Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Zucchini yellow mosaic (202)

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Photo 1. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in zucchini showing leaf mosaic, and fruit distortions.

Photo 2. Distortion of zucchini fruit caused (possibly) by Zucchini yellow mosaic virus. Similar symptoms occur from infections by Papaya ringspot virus.

Photo 3. Infection of zucchini by unknown virus(es). The young leaves are pale and have green areas along some of the main veins (e.g., leaf over the fruit). The fruit shows dark raised patches.

Photo 4. Extreme symptoms of one or more zucchini viruses (Fiji).

Photo 5. Mosaic on leaves of pumpkin caused by Zucchini yellow mosaic virus.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. On zucchini and other cucurbits, including melon, pumpkin, watermelon, as well as species of Luffa and Momordica. Important diseases.
• Four viruses infect zucchini and others in the cucumber family, causing misshapen fruit and leaves.
• All are spread by aphids (green flies). After a short feed the aphids can infect healthy plants.
• Cultural control: avoid over-lapping crops, check each seedling; weed around nursery and plants in field; plastic mulches (clear and silver) delay infection; resistant varieties.
• Chemical control: none recommended because aphids spread virus quickly before insecticides kill them. But try soap, white or horticultural oils (see Fact Sheet no. 056).

Common Name

Zucchini yellow mosaic

Scientific Name

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, Zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus. The virus exists as many strains.

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus is not alone in causing mosaics in zucchini and other cucurbits, there is Watermelon mosaic virus and Papaya ringspot virus type W. Watermelon mosaic virus causes mosaics (light and green patterns) on the leaves, whereas the other two distort both leaves and fruit. Cucumber mosaic virus also infects zucchini producing stunted distorted leaves, and surface roughness of the fruit.

This mini fact sheet is a part of the app Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds

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