MOSAIC VIRUS IN PLANTS: HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT AND WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Marie Hounds
• 0
• on Nov 10, 2022

The mosaic virus
The mosaic virus is actually a collective name for a group of harmful and common plant viruses. The name is not so far-fetched: it leaves a mosaic print on the leaves. A pattern of light green, dark green and often yellow spots. That in itself is not so bad, because it gives you an original plant. But there’s more to it.

The mosaic print is caused by a serious disturbance in the chlorophyll balance. Over time, the leaves curl up and you see more and more withered spots. Eventually the leaves turn yellow completely and malformations occur on the roots, shoots, leaves and any fruits. The infected plant wilts and is usually beyond saving.

Virus in cucumber plant
Do you have a vegetable garden? Then it may be even more important to be alert to the mosaic virus. Cucumber plants are particularly susceptible to this virus. This name is also not far-fetched: the cucumber mosaic virus. The cucumber takes on a bitter taste and can therefore no longer be eaten. For those who like to eat self-harvested cucumbers, this is quite a pity, but it is also a major setback for agriculture from an economic point of view.