Aphid-transmitted viruses in vegetable crops – integrated virus disease management
Aphids acquire and then transmit viruses in one of two ways, either by non-persistent transmission or by persistent transmission. The majority of aphid-transmitted viruses affecting vegetables are transmitted in a non-persistent way, making them difficult to manage. This 4-page fact sheet discusses transmission, lists important vegetable crop viruses spread by aphids and describes several management options under the headings: Exclude or avoid the virus; Reduce virus levels; and Protect the crop. The key recommendation is to combine (or ‘integrate’) several of the options to prevent or delay infections and minimise economic losses.