Viral Diseases

Garden Problems

Viral diseases are usually named for the plant they were first identified infecting. E.g. cucumber mosaic virus. But the viruses often infect many other plants as well.

Identify the problem
Viral diseases can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the virus and the plant. However, they often cause distorted growth or paterned leaf marks and discolouration leaves or changes of colour.
How to solve the problem
- Control sap sucking insects - There is little that can be done to cure plants of viral diseases. Prevention is the best option. Many viral diseases are transmitted by sap sucking insects such as aphids, scale, mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, whiteflyand others. Control and prevention of these can greatly reduce the risk of viral disease.
- Do not apply fertiliser in autumn as this promotes soft new growth suceptible to disease.
- Cut out dead material (sterilise cutting equipment with methylated spirit or dilute bleach between plants to prevent spread).
- Clear away and burn all leaf litter under or around affected plants.