The secret behind the mosaic symptom: Why do cucumbers turn into "white pickles"?!

Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is a plant disease virus belonging to the Bromoviridae family. It is widely distributed and has a very wide host range. It is even known as the virus with the widest host range among known plant viruses. This virus can not only be transmitted mechanically through tree sap, but also through aphids by piercing and sucking, and even through seeds and parasitic weeds.

CMV was first classified as a mosaic virus in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in 1934, hence the name "cucumber mosaic". Over time, scientists discovered that it also infects a variety of other plants, including squash, melons, peppers, eggplants, beans, carrots, and more.

Hosts and symptoms

The main symptoms of Cucumber Mosaic Virus include mosaic or mottled changes in leaves, yellowing, ring spots, stunting and changes in the shape of young leaves. Particularly in cucumbers, the virus causes the fruit to become pale and blistering, leading to the so-called "white pickles". Not only does this cucumber look abnormal, it also tastes bitter, causing huge losses to crops and farmers.

The symptoms caused by CMV in peppers are usually different from those in cucumbers, showing severe leaf damage, and the peppers themselves are often accompanied by deformation and chlorine spots.

How viruses spread

The virus is primarily spread by aphids, but in some cases humans can also spread the virus mechanically. The transmission process of CMV is relatively short, with aphids taking up the virus in about five to ten seconds and subsequent inoculation taking about one minute. After that, the chance of transmission decreases significantly over time.

Environment and Host

CMV prefers to grow in temperate regions, which are also the habitats of its main vector, aphids. It has also been found in tropical areas such as California, Spain, Italy, and East Asia. The virus is capable of infecting more than 1,200 plant species and causes severe economic losses.

CMV can cause economic losses of up to 10% to 20% of field yields, which has far-reaching impacts on agriculture, especially in terms of photosynthesis and oxygen release.

Diagnosis and Management

CMV can be diagnosed by serological tests (ELISA), molecular tests (PCR), and bio-range tests. These tests can help farmers determine the infection status of royal flower. Since there is currently no effective chemical method to eliminate infected plants, prevention and eradication are the best strategies for managing CMV, which includes removing weeds and diseased plants, using clean and disinfected tools, and planting disease-resistant varieties.

The presence of CMV in the growth of cucumbers and other susceptible plants not only affects the health of crops, but also threatens the sustainable development of the entire agricultural ecosystem.

With CMV spreading rapidly through aphids and infecting a wide range of hosts, it will pose a long-term challenge to agricultural production. How can we improve the resistance of crops so that agricultural development is no longer threatened by the virus?< /p>

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