Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

This viral disease is of secondary importance to PRV-W and ZYMV as a production problem in Hawaii. Several strains of this virus attack all cucurbit crops, but watermelon is affected to a lesser degree. Several weed species and crops from 12 plant families are also infested by CMV. Apple of Peru, Nicandra physalodes (L.) and Nasturium, Tropaeolum sp., are two weed hosts of CMV in Maui. Other vegetables affected by CMV include tomato and pepper. All of these plants show foliar symptoms when affected by CMV. Affected cucumber plants are stunted while young leaves curl downwards and develop a stunted, distorted appearance. Affected fruit may turn a light green color and is also misshapen, mottled and warty. For control destroy alternate weedy hosts close to the field, control aphids with recommended insecticides, and use resistant cultivars. Resistant cultivars include Milo, Centurion, Dasher II, Elite, Early Triumph, Floracuke, Raider, and Sprint 440.