Several diagnostic labs in the Northeast have received diseased calibrachoa for which the cause is suspected to be chili pepper mild mottle virus (CPMMoV). The supplier has alerted growers of this issue.
Symptoms of CPMMoV include mottled leaves, necrotic spots, stunting, and flower break. This virus is closely related to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and it is also spread mechanically via workers’ hands and tools. Management is the same for that of TMV: discard infected plants, sanitize tools and growing surfaces well, and wash hands frequently. Scout carefully for symptoms of disease, but avoid unnecessary handling of plants. The full host range of this virus is not yet well understood, so scout all greenhouse crops while paying special attention to plants in the family Solanaceae. CPMMoV will elicit a positive reaction on Agdia TMV immunostrips.
For more information, see http://www.e-gro.org/alerts.php#VOL11 or contact the UMass Extension's Plant Diagnostic Lab at 413-545-3209.
- Dr. Angela Madeiras, Extension Educator & Diagnostician, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab
