Agriculture: Alfalfa Pest Management Guidelines

Alfalfa Mosaic Virus and Cucumber Mosaic Virus

  • Alfalfa mosaic: Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV)
  • Cucumber Mosaic: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)
  • Symptoms and Signs

    Alfalfa mosaic virus may cause yellow mottling or streaking on leaves, but at other times the symptoms are masked and leaves appear normal.

    Cucumber mosaic virus shows no symptoms in alfalfa.

    Comments on the Disease

    These viruses have not been proven to be of economic importance in California alfalfa production. However, aphids that feed on alfalfa and then move to other crops may transmit these viruses to economically important crops. For example, alfalfa mosaic virus can cause economic losses in tomatoes and potatoes. Cucumber mosaic virus is one of several viruses that cause plant death in garbanzo beans grown in the San Joaquin Valley.

    Management

    No management is suggested.

    Text Updated: 03/17
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