Celery mosaic virus

Ontario Sessional Papers, 1917, No.58-59 (1917) (14762162344)

Celery mosaic virus (CeMV) is a plant pathogenic virus that primarily affects celery (Apium graveolens) and other members of the Apiaceae family. It is a member of the genus Potyvirus within the family Potyviridae. CeMV is known for causing significant economic losses in celery crops due to its impact on plant health and yield.

Symptoms

Infected celery plants exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

• Mosaic patterns on leaves, characterized by light and dark green areas.
• Leaf distortion and curling.
• Stunted growth.
• Reduced yield and quality of the celery stalks.

Transmission

CeMV is primarily transmitted by aphids, which are common insect vectors for many plant viruses. The virus can also be spread through mechanical means, such as contaminated tools and equipment, and by infected plant material.

Host Range

While celery is the primary host, CeMV can also infect other members of the Apiaceae family, including:

• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
• Carrot (Daucus carota)
• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Management

Effective management of CeMV involves several strategies:

• Use of virus-free planting material.
• Control of aphid populations through integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
• Removal and destruction of infected plants to reduce the source of the virus.
• Crop rotation with non-host plants to break the virus cycle.

Research

Ongoing research aims to develop resistant celery cultivars and improve understanding of the virus's biology and epidemiology. Advances in molecular techniques are also being used to study the genetic diversity of CeMV and its interactions with host plants.

See also

• Plant virus
• Aphid
• Integrated pest management
• Apiaceae