Celery Viruses

Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), Celery Mosaic Virus (CeMV)

Celery Mosaic Virus [Credit: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources]

Celery Mosaic Virus [Credit: T.A. Zitter, Cornell University]

Host Plants:

On Crops: Celery, parsley; aphids transmit these diseases as they feed

Where Found:

Mostly in warm temperate climates

Description:

Leaves develop unusual patches of yellow and green color, with thickening and puckering of the leaves. Stems may twist, and stalks may show light yellow soft spots. New leaves may be thin, dark green, and slightly cupped.

Damage:

Like other viruses, celery viruses interfere with genetic signaling within the plant. Leaves that are distorted by the virus cannot function normally, so plants struggle to grow and stop gaining size.

Preventing Problems:

Measures that reduce aphid populations will cut the risk of this and other viral diseases in the garden. Grow plenty of nectar-producing flowers to attract aphid predators including ladybeetles, lacewings and hover flies. If viral diseases are common in your garden, use row covers (garden fleece) to young celery plants from aphids.

Managing Outbreaks:

To keep the problem from spreading, pull up infected plants and compost them. Dispose of any unused seeds, because it is possible the seeds were infected with a virus.

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