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Connecticut

I want to let growers know that I have visually confirmed mosaic virus in the Northeast region of the USA. No scientific tests were done as the visual symptoms were evident and distinctive. So, take a careful look at your plants and look for mottled colorations on your pumpkin leaves especially those that are still in the development/growth phase. This is a virus and is involved with the DNA of the plant so changes in colorations are early indications that can be followed by misshaped or add color patterns on the actual pumpkins themselves.

If this is noticed on a plant the best method of control is immediate removal to limit possible spreading to other plants (since we cannot give a plant an immune system). The main method of transmission is by insect vectors but do not think increasing your insecticide spraying will help, as most of the time the insect just has to inject its mouth part into the plant and even without feeding can cause spreading.

Also, on a related note, while Aphids and Cucumber beetles are the typical vectors the insect thought to be the vector for this early occurrence is a “leaf-hopper” insect which may not be on your typical watch list. While there are many, many different types the one responsible for the virus in this case had clear wings and a green colored head/thorax region.

This is a rare case (so do not panic) but I wanted to let growers know. Feel free to contact me or post pictures if you think you may have these symptoms as since there is basically no cure it is important to try and document cases to determine the severity.

Just trying to keep everyone up-to-date.

-Matt

6/26/2012 10:27:29 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Thanks Matt. The information you provide is very much appreciated. I gotta wonder though...is mosaic virus transmitted through seeds? I ask because I have one plant with mosaic virus on a large scale with the remaining plants in the patch unaffected. The mother of this seed also contracted mosaic virus last year.

6/26/2012 10:34:28 PM

Connecticut

Hi Joe-

Thanks for the comments, I do my best to try and get back to all the e-mails that pour in and postings but when a special case comes across my desk I try and spread the word to be on the look out.

To answer your question, yes mosaic can be seed transmitted, ****but the odds are very low. Here is a link to another posting I did that has (still live) links to some scientific articles showing the low transmission rate

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=6&p=406259

In your large scale case this is where it is most likely to be seen. For giant pumpkin growers insects are much more common. However, I would still strongly advise you remove the one plant showing symptoms.

6/26/2012 10:49:21 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Matt, thanks for all that you do bud!

6/27/2012 2:18:17 AM

Goodwood, Ontario, Canada

Hi Matt,
I had mosaic virus for two consecutive years. This prompted me to remove and replace all my soil and drench the new soil with actinovate. I also killed all vegetation within six feet of my patch by burying it in horse manure. I also use a pesticide on vegetation that surrounds my patch this year. I believe the mosaic virus came from cucumber beetles that were likely in a field pumpkin patch about a mile away. In trying to combat the mosaic virus I learned that it is an impossible task. The virus spread to every plant in my patch very quickly.

6/27/2012 5:59:38 AM

Muddy Waters

I have been battling the Mosaic Virus since the 90s.It's why Marvin & Bill quit growing.I built my first greenhouse to keep out SVBs & aphids.It is impossible to avoid if its heavy in your area.It can carry over in the seed,but may not be in every seed per Michigan State University.You can grow a pumpkin over a 1000 pds with the virus.

6/27/2012 6:18:21 AM

Putnam Ct.

Thanks Matt for all you do for us growers and our hobby!!!!

6/27/2012 6:53:12 AM

churchville, ny

Matt - I just finished putting pictures on my diary (swaintech) - I'm pretty sure 2 show plants with mosaic virus - they are right next to each other in the field. Can mosaic virus stay in the soil?

I have not seen any leaf hoppers but did have cuke beetles early in the season. I also grow 15 acres of regular pumpkins.

Thanks for your expertise -

Tom - (swain2266@yahoo.com)

6/27/2012 9:16:57 PM

Rhode Island

Thanks Matt

6/27/2012 9:17:25 PM

Connecticut

Hi Tom-

Looks like Mosaic Virus to me, having two plants right next to one another favors strongly that the virus was insect vectored. Cuke beetles, aphids and others can carry this virus and are the typical ones that do so. Leafhoppers are a special case.

From what I have seen mosaic cannot survive in the soil, but can survive on alternate hosts (some weeds) that may not show any symptoms.

My advice is to remove the two sick plants in hopes of saving the rest by reducing the amount of virus in the local area. Every insect that feeds on these plants can pick up the virus and transmit it to your (or another growers) plants.

Might be too late for this year but on your field pumpkins there are varieties that have intermediate resistance to zucchini yellows. (ex. Magician F1 and Silver Moon F1)

6/28/2012 7:14:20 AM

churchville, ny

Thanks Matt - I'm on my way to pull them out.

6/28/2012 9:33:43 AM

Muddy Waters

Looks like Mosaic to me real bad case.Ive never had that bad.

6/28/2012 4:03:02 PM