Arabis mosaic virus

Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) is a notorious plant pathogen belonging to the Nepovirus genus within the Secoviridae family. It is a virus characterized by a single-stranded RNA genome and is known for its exceptionally wide host range, infecting various horticultural and agricultural crops worldwide. The virus disrupts host plant cell functions, leading to systemic infection.

Common host plants include strawberries, raspberries, hops, grapevines, and a range of ornamental species. The symptoms vary significantly depending on the host but generally manifest as light green or yellow mosaic patterns, ring spots, leaf deformation, and stunted plant development. In severe cases, the infected crops show drastically reduced yields and poor fruit quality.

The biological cycle of the virus is predominantly mediated by soil-borne ectoparasitic nematodes, specifically those of the genus Xiphinema (e.g., Xiphinema diversicaudatum). These nematodes acquire the virus while feeding on infected roots and transmit it to healthy plants. Additionally, the virus is seed-borne and easily distributed through the trading and propagation of infected vegetative material.

The spread of the virus is heavily dependent on the movement and distribution of its nematode vectors, which thrive in moist soil environments. ArMV is persistent in the soil, often surviving for years within the vectors or their eggs. The presence of reservoir weed species in fields provides a continuous source of infection, facilitating the persistence of the disease throughout the cropping cycle.

Control strategies for ArMV are complex due to its soil-borne nature. The primary defense is the implementation of rigorous phytosanitary measures, including the use of virus-indexed, certified disease-free planting stock. Soil fumigation or the use of nematicides to reduce the vector population can be effective in high-value crops. Furthermore, deep plowing, effective weed management, and long-term crop rotation are essential to prevent the buildup of nematode populations in agricultural soil.