- Growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka have reported considerable output losses as a result of two separate Mosiac Viruses.
- Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has been blamed for crop losses in Maharashtra, while tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) has been blamed for crop losses in Karnataka and other South Indian states.
| Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) | Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) | |
| Target Plants | Various plants, including cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and ornamentals | Plants in the Solanaceae family, including tobacco, tomatoes, peppers, etc. |
| Transmission | Aphids, seeds, mechanical contact, infected plant debris | Direct contact, mechanical transmission, contaminated plant material |
| Symptoms | Mosaic patterns, yellowing, stunted growth, leaf curling, distorted fruits or flowers | Mosaic patterns, yellowing, leaf curling, stunted growth |
| Impact on Crops | Reduced yield and quality | Reduced yield, impact on flavor and quality |
| Longevity | Not specified | Long-term viability in dried plant debris, tobacco products, contaminated surfaces |
| Control Measures | Vector control, seed selection, crop rotation | Crop rotation, sanitation, virus-free seeds/seedlings, cultural practices |
| Curability | No cure, management focuses on prevention | No cure, management focuses on prevention |
The Effect on Tomato Crops
- ToMV symptoms include alternating yellowish and dark green regions on the foliage, blisters on the leaves, leaf distortion, twisting of younger leaves, necrotic spots on fruits, and impaired fruit setting.
- CMV symptoms include leaf distortion, with top and bottom leaves being the most affected, mosaic-like patterns of yellow and green spots in cucumber, fruit deformation, and decreased tomato yield.
Control Measures
- ToMV control measures include ensuring biosafety requirements in nurseries, seed treatment, meticulous inspection of saplings before planting, regular infection monitoring, and removal of infected plants.
- CMV: Because of its vast host range, controlling aphids is critical. Spraying quick-acting pesticides or mineral oils, monitoring aphid migration, and clearing fields of weeds and plant material that may harbour the virus are among the measures.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/cmv-and-tomv-viruses-tomato-crop-maharashtra-karnataka-8774486/#:~:text=Farmers%20in%20Maharashtra%20have%20said,(ToMV)%20for%20crop%20losses.