<fontfamily><param>Palatino</param>Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is transmitted by aphids. The symptoms of CMV infection are extremely variable. Plants are generally stunted, with dull light green foliage and a leathery appearance. This virus is worldwide in distribution and has an extremely wide host range. Although control of aphids is the key factor to minimize CMV infection, the use of insecticides is considered ineffective because insecticides do not act quickly enough to prevent transmission of the virus. Resistant varieties, coupled with good weed control, healthy plant growth, protected seedling culture, and integrated pest management of aphids, are the best approach to disease control. This pathogen is not internally transmitted in seeds. Chilli Veinal Mottle Virus (CVMV) is transmitted by aphids. The symptoms of CVMV infection are variable. Leaf mottle and dark-green vein banding are the most characteristic symptoms. This virus has not been reported outside of Asia. Resistant varieties, coupled with protecting young seedlings from infection and integrated pest management of aphids, are the best approach to disease control. This pathogen is not internally transmitted in seeds. Tobamoviruses such as Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV), and Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMV) are transmitted mechanically (by touch). The symptoms of Tobamoviruses include leaf mosaic, plant stunting, and systemic chlorosis. This virus family is worldwide in distribution. Resistant varieties are the best approach to disease control. If no resistant variety is available, use of Tobamovirus-free seed, coupled with dipping tools and hands in milk when handling pepper plants, provides the best approach to disease control. This pathogen is internally transmitted in seeds. Potato Virus Y (PVY) is transmitted by aphids. The symptoms of PVY are leaf mosaic and dark green vein banding, although leaf crinkling, leaf distortion, and plant stunting may also be observed. This virus occurs worldwide. Resistant varieties, coupled with protecting young seedlings from infection and integrated pest management of aphids, are the best approach to disease control. This pathogen is not internally transmitted in seeds. Aphids that attack peppers include the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) and the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). The symptoms of aphid feeding injury are leaf distortion and cupping, often followed by the growth of gray-black sooty mold. However, the main damage caused by aphids is due to the viruses they carry, not their feeding injury. Aphids occur worldwide. Resistant varieties, coupled with good weed control, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, are the best approach to disease control. Piramor (pirimicarb 50DP) is probably the best chemical available to control aphids; it is also relatively safe to natural predators/parasites. Thrips that attack peppers include Scirtothrips dorsalis and Thrips palmi. The symptoms of thrip feeding injury are leaves that curl upwards and fruits that are netted with streaks. Thrips occur worldwide. Resistant varieties, coupled with good weed control, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, are the best approach to disease control. Decis (deltamethrin 2.8EC), Admire/Confidor (imidacloprid 2GR or 10SL), or Karate (lambdacyhalothrin 2.8EC) may control thrips. You should rotate insecticides each time you spray. Use of Decis or Karate may cause increased infestation of mites. Mites that attack chilli peppers are usually broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus). The symptoms of mite feeding injury are leaves that curl downwards and fruits that develop a corky, distorted surface. Mites occur worldwide. Resistant varieties, coupled with good weed control, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, are the best approach to disease control. Miticides such as Avid (abamectin 2EC), Plictran (cyhexatrin 50WP), Kelthane (dicofol 30EC) or Omite (propargite 57EC) may control mites. For more information on diseases and insects that attack chilli peppers, see 'Pepper Diseases: A Field Guide', published by the AVRDC. </fontfamily> ======================================================= Uncle Steve's HOT Stuff, Home of world's hottest Chiles http://www.zyworld.com/snearman/Uncle-Steve-Home.htm =======================================================