Impatiens necrotic spot virus > Identify, Control & Disease Prevention Tips

Impatiens necrotic spot virus

Also known as INSV, this is a viral disease that infects more than 648 species of plants. Hosts are mainly ornamental plants, but some crops are also susceptible, and it has caused severe losses of thousands of dollars worth of crops, making it significantly relevant in the agricultural economy. It mainly affects greenhouse environments, and it's hard to control since symptoms alone are not enough to determine the issue, only that there is an issue with your plants. Diagnosis is made through chemical tests. This disease is closely associated with western flower thrips, as they serve as vectors for this virus' spread. When these insects are not present, This virus can only spread through the vegetative propagation of plants.

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Signs of damage

Due to the wide range of hosts, a variety of symptoms depend on the time of the year the plant is infected, its state before infection, and age, among others:

Wilting and curling leaves.
Chlorosis. Leaves begin to turn yellow.
Leaf spotting. Leaves will display spots similar to chickenpox.
Ring spots.
Necrosis. Necrotic spots and vein necrosis are the most significant symptoms.
Stem death.
Poor flowering.
Stunted growth.
Some plants can be asymptomatic. They carry the virus but don't display any signs.

How to prevent

Make sure plants are in optimal conditions so they grow resistant and healthy. When possible, choose resistant species. Weed control and spacing between plants are also helpful.
New plants should be inspected and kept in isolation for prevention. Propagation of infected plants and those that display any symptoms must be avoided. Any infected material should be destroyed.
Control thrips by gently shaking or beating plants' foliage onto a piece of paper and collecting any insect that falls off. Chemical insecticides can also be used against thrips.
Remember that thrips' presence doesn't necessarily mean infection since they become vectors upon feeding on infected plants.

Heal

This infection can't be cured, and infected plants should be destroyed by burning.

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