An epidemic of celery mosaic virus in South Australian celery

Abstract

A virus isolated from celery (Apium graveolens L.) around Adelaide was identified as celery mosaic virus (CeMV) by its host range, symptom expression, particle morphology, and cytopathic effects. The virus was shown to be serologically related to CeMV in Great Britain, New Zcaland and the United States, and to a virus described as celery yellow mosaic virus in Brazil. Disease incidence was most prominent in the cultivar Tendercrisp, but the virus was also isolated from other cultivars, including Summit, Green Giant and Baulderstone. Incidence of the disease reached 70% in some crops and many of the infected plants were unfit for marketing. It is suggested that control of the disease may be achieved by introducing a celery-free period to break the cycle of virus transmission between successive crops.