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Virus diseases of gladiolus | AG0551 |
Jane Moran, Knoxfield
July, 1996 |  |
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Introduction
More than seven virus diseases have been recorded in gladiolus, and of these bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) are the most economically important and widespread in Australia.
Symptoms
Gladiolus plants infected with BYMV and/or CMV often have pale-yellow mottling of the leaves. Symptoms also include "flower break" and "colour break" of flowers, but not in white, cream or yellow cultivars. BYMV can reduce the production of gladiolus corms by about 33%. Infected plants may have a shortened life span and corms are also more susceptible to fungal attack.
Figure 1. Mosaic on leaves which is typical of BYMV in gladiolus.
Figure 2. Severe colour break in red variety which is typical of a dual infection with CMV and BYMV.
Spread and source of infection
BYMV and CMV can infect a number of plant species apart from gladiolus, including pasture legumes and weeds which provide a field source of these viruses. The most common source of infection in gladiolus is from existing gladiolus crops that are infected with the viruses. Both viruses are spread from plant to plant by aphids which transmit these viruses in only 30 seconds. Remember, aphids will also feed on corms so this means gladiolus are susceptible to virus spread during storage.
Host range
Both viruses are able to infect a wide range of different plant species, including many common weeds, pasture legumes, other bulb species, and vegetables.
Control
Viruses cannot be treated or cured. The best control strategy is to plant corms from virus tested stock.
To minimise the risk of infecting healthy stock:
- Use suitable insecticides for the control of aphids on both the cultivated crop and the stored gladiolus corms.
- Rogue any plants which show symptoms and destroy this material.
- Plant virus-tested gladiolus material at least 1 km(if possible) from virus-infected gladiolus crops.
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Correct diagnosis is essential for effective pest and disease control. A commercial diagnostic service is available at the Institute for Horticultural Development (IHD). For further information, phone Crop Health Services on (03) 9210-9222 or fax (03) 9800 3521.
For further information on registered chemicals, phone Chemical Information Service on (03) 9651 7317.
The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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