Pepper mosaic viruses
A group of pepper virus diseases (CMV, AMV, TMV, PVY) spread by aphids and mechanically. Leaves become mottled and puckered and the fruit misshapen. Viruses cannot be cured.
Symptom photos
Symptoms
- Mottled light- and dark-green clearing on the leaves
- Puckering and distortion of the leaf blade
- Young leaves narrowed and strap-like
- Misshapen fruit with uneven coloring
- Dwarfed plants with shortened internodes
What it does to the crop
- Misshapen, unmarketable fruit
- A heavy drop in yield, by as much as half
- No way to cure an infected plant
- Aphids carrying the virus on to further plants
What encourages it
- Plentiful aphids carrying the viruses
- Infected seed and transplants
- Mechanical spread on hands and tools
- Weeds around the crop acting as a virus reservoir
Prevention
- Control aphids as the vector
- Remove and destroy infected plants as soon as they are spotted
- Use resistant varieties and seed from a reliable source
- Wash hands and disinfect tools between plants
- Clear weeds from around the crop
⚠️ 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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