In recent years, Poland has faced the threat of the CGMMV virus, which has caused great concern in the horticultural sector. CGMMV, also called cucumber spot virus, belongs to the Tobamo viruses and has caused problems, especially in the Kalisz region.
“This virus has not only affected cucumber crops, but has also raised alarm bells in the Baltic countries,” says Piotr Slomiany of GrowConcept, a supplier of coir substrates and other solutions for growing vegetables and soft fruits.
He provides more information about the emergence of CGMMV in Poland, its impact on horticulture and possible solutions to prevent its spread. “The fight against CGMMV requires collective efforts, including improved greenhouse practices and the application of effective treatments.”
The rise of CGMMV in Poland
“The CGMMV virus has been part of the Polish horticultural sector since at least 2019. Historically, the presence of this virus was often linked to the presence of thrips or aphids. However, in 2023 the virus appeared already in mid-February without the associated insects. These shift has raised questions about the adaptability of the virus to changing circumstances,” says Piotr. He was first active in the cultivation sector before starting his own supply company and is in close contact with many growers.
Piotr explains that higher temperatures have contributed to the spread of the virus. “Due to rising temperatures, more horticultural businesses have been affected by CGMMV. The first symptoms usually manifest on the upper leaves of infected plants and quickly spread throughout the canopy. Infected leaves experience reduced surface area, leading to reduced photosynthesis.
As the virus spreads, it also attacks the fruits, causing them to become deformed and unsuitable for the market. The plants themselves struggle to sprout and if they fail to do so, they eventually wither, often during periods of intense sunlight, further exacerbating the rapid progression of the disease.”
Sources of infection
According to the GrowConcept team, several factors have contributed to the rapid spread of CGMMV in Poland, including inadequate disinfection of greenhouses. “Inadequate disinfection practices in greenhouses have facilitated the persistent presence and spread of the virus,” says Piotr, adding that reusing growing substrates can introduce the virus into new crop cycles. “And like the tomato virus that affects the tomato industry, this virus can also be transmitted by workers, especially when they work in the upper parts of infected plants.”
Tackling CGMMV: preparation as a solution
Piotr says that in the fight against CGMMV, researchers and growers are turning to a promising solution known as TOBRE. “This preparation has proven to be effective in combating the virus and preventing its spread. The main mechanism behind the success of TOBRE lies in Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) in combination with a size-optimized chitosan molecule,” he says .
“TOBRE uses SAR to rapidly protect plant cells from virus attack. This mechanism activates cell compartmentalization, effectively protecting cell organelles from infection. The size-optimized chitosan molecule further increases TOBRE’s effectiveness in preventing CGMMV infection.”
For cucumbers infected with CGMMV or ZYMV, he recommends using TOBRE for a period of two weeks. “TOBRE can be administered by both sprinkling and spraying. It is safe and leaves no residues in the fruit, ensuring the safety and quality of the product.”
For more information:
Piotr Slomiany
GrowConcept
2023-10-16 09:47:36
#tool #Polish #fight #CGMMV
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