Viral Mosaics

Viral Mosaics

Mosaic
Type:	Viruses
Transmission:	Insects, infected hands or tools

Mosaic is the symptom of a number of plant viruses, perhaps the most familiar being Tobacco Mosaic Virus, which affects a wide range of hosts.

Symptoms and Signs

Irregular blotching of differently colored patches on the leaf, often with different colors in interveinal parts of the leaves.

Transmission

Like any virus, transmission requires a vector (usually aphids) but human activity (such as pruning or grafting) can also transmit the viruses.

Controls

• Exclusion: Control vectors and alternate (weedy) hosts, keep cutting tools sterile.