Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

29.04.2025

Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

Why in the news?                        

A team of researchers recently reported developing an RNA-based antiviral agent that confers strong protection against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), a widespread and destructive plant virus.

About Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV):

• It is one of the most common plant viruses.
• CMV was first identified in 1916 as the causal agent of cucumber and muskmelon disease in the United States.
• CMV infects more than 1,200 plant species, including critical food crops like cucumbers, squash, and cereals, and medicinal plants.
• It spreads through small sap-sucking insects called aphids.
• With nearly 90 aphid species capable of transmitting CMV, outbreaks are often difficult to contain.
• In India, CMV is responsible for 25-30% yield losses in banana plantations. In pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons, infection rates can soar up to 70%.
• Symptoms: Affected plants develop a mosaic discolouration, stunted growth, and commercially unviable fruits.

Management:

• Cultural practices and the heavy use of agrochemicals are the most common control measures for CMV.
• There is no known cure for cucumber mosaic.
• Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to eliminate the plants as potential reservoirs for the virus (which can subsequently be spread to other nearby healthy plants).

                                                           Source: The Hindu

With reference to the Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), consider the following statements:

1. It is one of the most common plant viruses which results in mosaic discolouration, stunted growth and commercially unviable fruits.

2. It spreads through small sap-sucking insects called aphids.

3. There is no known cure for CMV.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer C