Lettuce Mosaic Virus
Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), Potyvirus
Virus
Leaves
Whole Plant
Overview
A seed-borne virus of lettuce causing mosaic patterns, stunting, and reduced head formation. Transmitted by aphids and through infected seed.
Symptoms
Mosaic patterns of light and dark green on leaves. Leaf distortion and reduced size. Stunted growth. Poor head formation. Necrotic spots in some cultivars. Bolting.
Environmental Conditions
Variable
Prevention
Use virus-indexed seed (tested negative). Plant resistant varieties. Control aphid vectors. Remove weed hosts. Destroy crop residues.
Management
No cure. Remove infected plants. Use tested seed. Control aphids. Remove weed hosts including wild lettuce species.