Question of the Week – Virus

This week, the question was: What is wrong with this squash?

This squash is showing symptoms of a virus. There are numerous viruses that affect cucurbit crops, which may be transmitted in a variety of ways, such as, by insect (aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles), through seed, or mechanical damage. Symptoms may include mottled or mosaic discoloration, deformed leaves and fruit, and stunting. There is no way to cure a plant once it contracts a virus. Instead, management efforts should focus on preventing transmission. Using virus-resistant plant varieties is one of the best ways to do this. Before purchasing seed or transplants, read the variety descriptions carefully to see which resistance traits, if any, they have. Read more about cucurbit viruses here.

This week’s question is from Justin Ballew, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate.