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.
PVY – Potato Virus Y
Type: Virus - Potyvirus
Potato Virus Y is a disease that affects the growth of peppers. Symptoms include green mosaic on leaves, leaf malformation, and leaf mottling. There may be severe stunting of the plants, and sometimes death of plants. The virus can cause substantial crop loss. The virus is transmitted by aphids. The virus survives for long periods in infected weeds. Mild winter temperatures favor survival of the virus, thus the disease can be greater 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 early in the season can control the disease. Keep the fields weed free. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.
TEV – Tobacco Etch Virus
Type: Virus - Potyvirus
Tobacco Etch Virus is a disease that affects the growth of peppers. This disease is most common in Canada, the USA (including Hawaii), Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Symptoms include crinkling of leaves, reduction in size of leaves, leaves are distorted and mottled, vein clearing, necrotic lines or etching, and severe stunting of the plant. Peppers are mottled and do not reach full size. In severe cases, wilting and death of the plant can occur. The virus can cause substantial crop loss. The virus is transmitted by aphids and can spread mechanically. The virus survives for long periods in plant debris. Mild winter temperatures favor survival of the virus, thus the disease can be greater 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. Keep your garden weed free. Disinfect tools, stakes, and equipment. Wash clothing that comes into contact with the infected plants. Use screen house with 32 mesh or greater to keep out aphids. Insecticides for aphids can control the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.