CMV infects 1200 species in over 100 plant families and can cause significant economic losses in many vegetable and horticultural crops. CMV causes a systemic infection in most host plants, but may remain symptomless in some crops like alfalfa. Symptoms of cucumber mosaic can vary greatly depending on the crop infected and the age of the plant when infection occurs.
Cucurbits: Almost all cucurbits are susceptible to CMV, with symptoms varying in severity (Figure 3A-E). Severe epinasty, downward bending of the petiole and leaf surface along with leaf reduction, are common in early season infection of summer squash (Figure 3A).