Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)
A viral disease caused by Cucumber mosaic virus, which has a very wide host range. It is spread mainly by aphids in a non-persistent way, and mechanically during routine work. There is no cure — infected plants must be removed.
Symptom photos
Symptoms
- Mottled light- and dark-green discoloration on the leaves
- Puckered, shrunken, undersized leaf blades
- Clearly stunted growth and dwarfed shoots
- Misshapen, uneven fruit with pale mosaic and blotches on the skin
- Fruit smaller than usual and bitter to taste
What it does to the crop
- A big drop in yield and fruit quality
- Permanent infection with no possibility of treatment
- The plant becomes a source of infection for neighbouring cucurbits
What encourages it
- Large aphid populations acting as the virus vector
- Infected weeds or ornamentals nearby
- Growing close to other infected cucurbits
Prevention
- Control the aphids that carry the virus
- Remove and destroy weeds and infected plants, roots and all
- Disinfect hands and tools during routine work
- Grow varieties tolerant of or resistant to CMV
- Avoid planting cucumbers near perennials that act as a virus reservoir
⚠️ Before you reach for a spray
This atlas is informational and still growing — different diseases can look almost identical. Confirm the diagnosis and read the product label before applying any plant protection product. If you are unsure, ask your local extension or advisory service.
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