BYMV – Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus Resistant Peas

BYMV – Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus Resistant Peas. Type: Virus - Potyvirus. Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus is a disease that affects the growth of peas. It is primarily found in the Northeastern parts of the United States (New York), Europe, and the Middle East. Symptoms include bright yellow to green mosaic, leaf malformation, leaf mottling, down cupping, and wrinkling of leaves. Often bright yellow spots appear on the leaves. There may be severe stunting of the plants, and sometimes the death of plants. The virus can cause substantial crop loss. The virus is transmitted by aphids and is not transmitted by seeds. The virus survives for long periods in infected alfalfa and weeds. Mild winter temperatures favor the survival of the virus; thus, the disease can be more severe the following spring. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. Plan on using a 3-year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year. Insecticides for aphids can control the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.