Agriculture: Cucurbits Pest Management Guidelines

Squash Mosaic Virus

  • Squash mosaic virus
  • Symptoms and Signs

    Symptoms of squash mosaic include mosaic patterns and mottling of the leaf along with deformed fruit.

    Comments on the Disease

    The virus is vectored by the spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica spp.) and other related beetles. The beetles can retain the virus up to 20 days after feeding on an infected plant. The virus is also seed-borne.

    Management

    Use virus-free seed to eliminate primary inoculum.

    Text Updated: 06/08
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