Effect of Various Temperatures on Symptom Expression by Different Plant Species (Cucumber, Plantain, and Banana) Affected by Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Abstract

A study was made in climate chambers to determine the effect of various temperatures (65°, 75°, 85°, and 95° F.) on symptom expression by cucumber, plantain and banana plants affected by cucumber mosaic virus. Mitigation of symptoms occurred when plantain, banana, and cucumber plants affected with cucumber mosaic virus were kept at 95° F. At 85° F., mitigation of symptoms was less dramatic. Some of the affected plants became necrotic and stunted. At 75° F., severe symptoms of the disease were evident on test plants of the three species. At 65° F., musaceous plants developed symptoms as severe as those observed in the highlands during the cool winter months. Cucumber plants developed severe mottling symptoms at this same temperature.