Viral Diseases

CAUSED BY

• More than 50 viruses are known to infect pea worldwide. Of these, only a few occur in Canada.
• Economically important viruses in North America are: Pea Seed-Borne Mosaic Virus, Pea Enation Mosaic Virus, Bean (pea) Leaf Roll Virus, Pea Streak Virus and Red Clover Mosaic Virus causing pea stunt.
• In the field, the pea aphid is the main vector of viruses from infected to healthy plants although other aphids are known to transmit viruses as well.

SYMPTOMS

• May include downward curling of leaflets on seedlings, Leaf Mosaic, rosetting (developing rose-like markings), shortening of internodes, chlorotic flecks or translucent lesions, upward curling of leaves, pod distortion and stunting.
• Tissue proliferation may occur along leaf veins and on pods.
• Pod set may be affected in some cultivars or distorted pods may develop with seeds that have split seed coats.
• Some varieties may be infected and show no visible symptoms, but yield is reduced.
• Seed size and quality is often reduced.
• Delayed maturity may also occur.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

• Use of resistant varieties and virus-free seed.
• Control of aphid populations has not proven a reliable control method.

IMPACT

• Damage is rarely serious in Western Canada because of severe winters and a relatively short growing season.
• Can result in delayed maturity as well as reductions in yield, seed size, and seed quality.

Resources

• North Dakota Agriculture Experiment Section, Pea Seed-Borne Mosaic Virus (PSbMV) in Field Pea and Lentils