Capsicum chlorosis
- Capsicum chlorosis virus causes mottling and dark (necrotic) spots to develop on leaves, internodes are reduced in length, terminal growing points wilt and die
Cause | Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV). |
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Damage | Usually minor; sometimes occurs at economically damaging levels in coastal Queensland. Affected plants set few kernels and those which do set are small and of poor quality. Severely affected plants are stunted and may die, leaving gaps in rows. |
Symptoms | CaCV causes mottling and dark (necrotic) spots on leaves. Internodes are reduced in length and the terminal growing points wilt and die. Affected plants are stunted, particularly when infected early in life, and may eventually die. |
Spread | Several thrips (e.g. tomato thrips and melon thrips) spread the virus. It belongs in the same virus group as tomato spotted wilt virus and the transmission process for both viruses is almost identical. The virus is not spread by other insects such as aphids and jassids. CaCV is not spread by contact, in soil or in seed. CaCV infects capsicum, tomato and peanut. Billygoat weed (Ageratum conyzoides) is a major weed host of the virus throughout coastal Queensland. This weed commonly occurs around cane fields and along roadsides. |
Management options | Cultural Chemical registrations and permits |