Arabis mosaic virus

Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) is a significant plant pathogenic virus classified within the genus Nepovirus of the Secoviridae family. The virus consists of isometric particles containing a bipartite single-stranded RNA genome, which allows it to adapt to a remarkably wide host range, spanning many agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental plant species.

The disease caused by this virus is characterized by systemic symptoms, including mosaic patterns, chlorotic ringspots, leaf distortion, and stunted plant growth. Major economic hosts include strawberries, raspberries, grapevines, hops, and various floral crops. Infected plants often show reduced vigor, leading to significant yield losses in commercial farming operations.

The biological cycle of ArMV is heavily dependent on the presence of soil-borne vectors, specifically dorylaimid nematodes from the genus Xiphinema (such as X. diversicaudatum). The virus is acquired by nematodes when they feed on the roots of infected plants. It remains inside the vector, which can then transmit the pathogen to healthy hosts during subsequent feeding cycles.

Environmental conditions that favor nematode activity are critical for the spread of ArMV. Moist, well-structured soils provide the best conditions for the movement and survival of nematode vectors. Because the virus is also seed-borne and transmissible via vegetative propagation materials like rootstocks and cuttings, rapid spread through orchards and nurseries is a common concern.

Management of Arabis mosaic virus is challenging because there is no direct treatment for infected plants. Control strategies must be preventative and integrated:

• Utilizing certified virus-free planting material to prevent primary infection.
• Implementing soil fumigation or solarization to manage nematode populations before planting.
• Systematic control of weed species that act as alternative hosts.
• Enforcing strict crop rotation and quarantine measures to stop the spread of the pathogen.