PMV – Pepper Mottle Virus
Type: Virus - Potyvirus
Pepper Mottle Virus is a disease that affects the growth of peppers. The disease is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, including Florida. Symptoms include crinkled leaves, light and dark patches on the foliage that give the plant a mottled appearance, and dark green vein banding. The peppers are usually small and deformed. There may be severe stunting of the plants. The virus can cause substantial crop loss. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. The virus is transmitted by aphids and is not transmitted by seeds. It is spread by aphids to nearby weeds, which act as future reservoirs for the virus, so it is important to keep the fields weed free. Insecticides for aphids can control the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.