Lettuce chlorosis virus (LCV)

The lettuce Lettuce chlorosis virus (LCV) belongs to the family Closteroviridae and the genus Crinivirus (Figure 1). It is transmitted by Bemisia tabaci and Bemisia argentifolii with the same efficiency in the semi-persistent mode.


- Symptoms

They are characterized by thinning of the veins; yellowing, reddening and curling of the leaves. Plants can remain dwarf. The symptoms are similar to those of BWYV.


- Main characteristics

This virus is mainly reported in the United States (California, Arizona) where its incidence is low. It is likely to affect more than 27 plant species distributed in 12 botanical families. This remark is not insignificant since LCV epidemics seem to be essentially conditioned by the strong presence of virulent weeds in the environment of the plots ( Physalis wrightii, Conyza canadensis, Lactuca serriola, Solanum elaeagnifolium, Helianthus nutalli ). It is also reported on beetroot. Combined attacks of LCV and LIYV on the same plant are sometimes observed in the field. Unlike LIYV, LCV does not affect cucurbits.