Bidens Mottle Virus (Bi MOV)

The bident ( mottle virus Bidens mottle virus , BiMOV) belongs to the family Potyviridae and the genus Potyvirus (Figure 1). Several aphid species can act as a vector for this virus, depending on the non-persistent mode. Myzus persicae is particularly efficient.

- Symptoms

Thinning of the veins of the leaves, mottling sometimes progressing to necrosis of the nerves. Plants attacked early remain dwarf.


- Main characteristics

The distribution of BiMoV appears to be limited in the United States (especially Florida). This virus, whose damage rarely appears to be serious on lettuce ( Cichorium endivia , Lactuca sativa ), is harbored by a wide range of hosts including cultivated plants, in particular ornamental ( Zinnia elegans , Ageratum conyzoides , Rudbeckia hirta hybrida ) and weeds ( Lepidium virginicum , Bidens pilosa , Erigeron sp., Senecio sp.) On which the virus was first described in 1968. It is also found on Lupinus angustifolius . It is not transmitted by the seed. Several genotypes of butter and romaine lettuce are said to be more or less resistant to BiMoV and sometimes to LMV. In some cases, resistance would be conferred by a recessive " gene bi " . It is sometimes found in association with LMV on the same salads.