PLRV – Pea Leaf Roll Virus Resistant Peas

PLRV – Pea Leaf Roll Virus Resistant Peas. Type: Virus - Luteovirus. Pea Leaf Roll Virus, also known as Bean Leaf Roll Virus, is a disease that affects the growth of peas. It is primarily found in the Northwestern parts of the United States (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) and Europe (France, Germany, and the Netherlands). In 1980, a severe epidemic of the disease caused severe crop losses in southern Idaho, where 80% of the peas are produced in the United States. Symptoms include yellowing and mottling of leaves, sometimes downward leaf rolling, severe stunting of the plants, and the death of plants. The virus can cause substantial crop loss and complete crop loss. The virus is transmitted by aphids and is not transmitted by seeds. The virus survives for long periods in infected alfalfa. 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.