ARS | Publication request: STATEWIDE DISTRIBUTION OF VIRUS PROBLEMS ON PROCESSING BEANS. 2004 MIDWEST FOOD PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION PROCESSING CROPS CONFERENCE

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 10, 2004
Publication Date: February 23, 2004
Citation: Thompson, A., German, T., Willis, D.K. 2004. Statewide distribution of virus problems on processing beans. 2004 midwest food processors association processing crops conference. Meeting Abstract.

Technical Abstract: During the 2002 and 2003 growing seasons, we conducted an extensive survey of the major snap bean production regions of Wisconsin for the presence of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). In the 2003 season, we also screened for Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV). Random samples were collected from multiple locations within each region and the presence of virus was determined by ELISA assay of leaf sap. Most virus infected leaves were asymptomatic in appearance. In 2002, we found AMV at a low incidence in all production regions sampled. CMV was detected in four of five regions and was more prevalent than AMV. In the following year we detected CMV and AMV in all regions sampled with CMV showing a marked increase in all regions. BCMV was found to be present but relatively rare within the production regions sampled. Our results indicate that the incidence of both CMV and AMV is extremely high in all production areas within Wisconsin. The appearance of AMV and CMV coincides with the arrival of the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) in Wisconsin, a vector known to transmit both viruses. Disease problems associated with the high incidence of CMV and AMV are lower yields due to pin bean drop and a discoloration of mature bean pods. Yield loss due to virus infection has been estimated at 10 to 20%.