Cucumber mosaic virus  (CMV) 

General

• Cucumovirus transmitted by different species of aphids in the non-persistent mode.
• Reported on all continents and in all climates, affecting vegetable crops little in tropical or sub-tropical regions.
• Some strains seem more adapted to hot climates (Mediterranean or tropical).
• Extremely polyphagous virus, more than 1000 plant species are affected, and in particular many vegetable (tomato, pepper, lettuce, spinach), fruit (cherry, banana) and weed species.

• Susceptible botanical family(s):

Biology

• Conservation : persist on many cultivated plants and weeds present in the crop environment, considered as reservoir plants for viruses. Note that these plants also harbor vector aphids ( Aphis gossypii,  Myzus persicae , Aphis fabae   Aphis craccivora, etc.)

• Transmission : according to the non-persistent mode by more than sixty species of aphids (the aphid-vector is capable of acquiring the virus or of transmitting it during very brief bites, of the order of a few dozen seconds). Does not appear to be seedborne in cucumber or melon, possible in squash and some weeds.

Protection

• Use resistant varieties (cucumber, zucchini, pepper, etc.).
• Protect nurseries and young plants in the field with veils (Agryl P17 type) or mesh fabrics (Filbio type).
• Avoid setting up a new culture near old cultures that may already be contaminated
• Carefully weed the plots and their surroundings in order to eliminate sources of viruses and/or vectors.
• Mulch crops with  plastic film to keep aphids away
• Eliminate the first infected plants .
• Chemical vector control is not very effective in controlling this virus.