- classification : Potyviridae, Potyvirus


First, the chicory  necrotic mosaic virus (Endive necrotic mosaic virus , ENMV) was isolated from curly chicory and escarole in the Frankfurt region. Subsequently, very similar isolates were detected from batavia iceberg-type lettuce in several regions of Germany where crops were severely affected.

In 1999, the virus was identified in France, in Provence, on several lines of butter lettuce being selected. During 2000, we detected it on salads grown in the open field in Ain.

It is difficult today to assess the incidence of ENMV, but it is very likely underestimated, especially in both chicory and lettuce crops. Indeed, the symptoms of this virus can be confused with those caused by LMV, TuMV or even, in some cases, by TSWV.

Fortunately, most current salad varieties appear to be resistant to ENMV.


ENMV is a newly and partially characterized virus (Figure 1). It was first reported in Germany in 1995 on escaroles and curls, but the disease seemed to have existed for about ten years. Although its name is not yet officially recognized, the elements of characterization make it possible to ensure that it is indeed a new potyvirus. It has no serological relationship with the other potyviruses identified in the world on lettuce such as LMV, TuMV or BiMoV, as well as with around fifty other potyviruses.

Figure 1

• Author :
• D Blancard (INRAe)