Arabis mosaic virus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arabis mosaic virus |
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Virus classification  |
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| (unranked): | Virus |
| Phylum: | incertae sedis |
| Class: | incertae sedis |
| Order: | Picornavirales |
| Family: | Secoviridae |
| Genus: | Nepovirus |
| Species: |
Arabis mosaic virus
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The Arabis mosaic virus (often called ArMV) is a tiny virus that can make plants sick. It's a type of plant pathogen, which means it causes diseases in plants. This virus belongs to a group of viruses called Secoviridae. It's known for causing a problem called "yellow dwarf" in raspberry plants and is one reason why rhubarb plants might get a "mosaic" pattern on their leaves.
ArMV can infect many different plants. Some of its common hosts include strawberries, hops, hemp, grapes, geraniums, raspberries, sugar beets, celery, horseradish, lilacs, peach trees, and lettuces.
What are the signs of Arabis mosaic virus?
Sometimes, plants infected with ArMV don't show any signs of being sick at all. However, when symptoms do appear, they can be quite noticeable.
The most common signs of ArMV infection are:
- Stunting: The plant doesn't grow as tall or as big as it should. It stays small and weak.
- Leaf flecking or molting: The leaves might have unusual spots, streaks, or patterns. They can also look discolored or patchy.
- Enations: These are small, raised bumps or growths that appear on the leaves. They can look like tiny blisters.
How severe these symptoms are can change. It depends on the type of plant, the weather conditions, and even the specific variety of the plant.
How does Arabis mosaic virus spread?
This virus mainly spreads through the soil. Tiny worm-like creatures called nematodes carry it from one plant to another. Nematodes are very small soil animals.
However, nematodes aren't the only way ArMV spreads. It can also be carried by arthropods, which include insects. The virus can also spread through seeds and even pollen from infected plants.
For Arabis mosaic virus, a specific type of nematode called Xiphinema diversicaudatum is the most common carrier. These nematodes feed on the roots of sick plants. When they do, they pick up the virus. Then, as they move to other plants and feed on their roots, they pass the virus along.
Nematodes can only spread the virus when they are adults. After they shed their skin (a process called molting), they need to feed on an infected root again to pick up the virus before they can spread it further.
How can we stop Arabis mosaic virus?
The best way to control this virus is to start with healthy plants. This means using "virus-free planting material." These are seeds or young plants that have been checked and are known to be free of the virus.
The virus can only spread in soil where it already exists and where nematodes are present. So, keeping things clean is very important. Using proper "hygienic techniques" means cleaning tools and equipment. Using "sterile materials" means making sure the soil and pots are free from germs and pests. When these steps are followed, crops are much more likely to stay virus-free.
It's also a good idea to test the soil in areas where plants were previously infected. This helps make sure that no nematodes carrying the virus are still living there. These methods are currently the main ways to manage the virus. This is because special chemicals called nematicides, which are meant to kill nematodes, haven't been very effective. The nematodes can hide deep in the soil, especially within plant roots, making them hard to reach with chemicals.
