As cannabis cultivation increases around the world, scientists are identifying more pathogens that affect the plant. Many growers have heard of the latest pathogens, Hop Latent Viroid and Beet Curly Top Virus. Today, I will discuss another new pathogen, Citrus Yellowing Vein Clearing Virus.
What is the citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV)?
Citrus Yellowing Vein Clearing Virus (CYVCV) is a new virus in the cannabis community, but it was first discovered in the 1980s, affecting citrus trees in Asia. CYVCV is molecularly similar to Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) and a single-stranded RNA virus, but, unlike HLVd, it has a protein coat around it. This detail makes it a virus instead of a viroid. Its mode of action is similar in that it changes how DNA is synthesized, creating abnormalities in the plant and reducing crop yields and quality.
Electron micrograph of particles of an isolate CYVCV-strain, a member of the Genus Mandariviruses
How dangerous is CYVCV for cannabis plants?
Citrus Yellowing Vein Clearing Virus is very dangerous to cannabis plants. It spreads easily, and once your plants are infected, their health will decline rapidly, causing many issues.
What are the symptoms of citrus yellow vein clearing virus?
There are quite a few symptoms to look for when diagnosing CYVCV. The first signs of infection will be loss of vigor in your plant and a slight yellowing of their leaves. The yellowing will start in the veins (clear veins, hence the name) of the leaf and spread to the rest of the leaf from the veins outwards. Plants will also show symptoms that look like overwatering, such as drooping and curling leaves.
Yellowing on a weed plant, known as chlorosis, means the leaves or parts of the plant are turning yellow
Over time, this yellowing will make a mosaic-like pattern on the leaves that could be mistaken for Tobacco Mosaic Virus. At the peak of infection, the plant will be extremely stunted with small, underdeveloped flowers with curling leaves and almost totally yellow.
The symptoms of Citrus Yellowing Vein Clearing Virus on a citrus plant’s leaves
How likely is it for home growers of cannabis to encounter CYVCV?
Most home growers will not be affected by CYVCV, but everyone should be educated on it since it could pop up in your garden. The spread of the virus so far has been very slow compared to blights like Hop Latent Viroid. However, this could easily change over the years and become a widespread issue for the entire cannabis community.
How is CYVCV transmitted?
Citrus Yellowing Vein Clearing Virus is transmitted through multiple vectors. Insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts, like aphids, can easily spread the virus from infected to healthy plants when piercing leaves while they feed.
Aphids spread viruses by feeding on infected plants and then piercing leaves of healthy ones.
Another common vector is through unsanitized tools like scissors that spread the virus from plant to plant when pruning or defoliating. CYVCV has also been detected in seed material, so buying seeds from an unreputable source could lead to the introduction of the virus in your garden.
What can cannabis growers do to prevent CYVCV?
Growers must remain diligent to prevent the spread of this virus in their grow. Firstly, buying seeds from a reputable source will help prevent the virus from being introduced to your garden.
Good sanitation protocols are also crucial to preventing CYVCV and other pathogens from spreading to your plants. I recommend following similar protocols to HLVd sanitation when preventing CYVCV.
Protocols include changing gloves between plants and sanitizing scissors and other tools in a strong bleach or Virkon S solution. Keeping a good pest management program is also essential to stop the spread of the virus.
Making sure pests stay away from your plants will reduce the risk of your plants catching CYVCV by a huge margin. Make sure no pests get to your plant and get Bergman’s Plant Protector below.
Bergman’s Plant Protector
Protect your plants from diseases and harmful pests.
Consists of three 20 ml bottles
Enough plant protection system supplies for up to 20 plants
Suitable for soil, hydroponic and all other grow mediums
What can you do when your marijuana plants have CYVCV?
There are also no labs that offer a public service to test plants for the virus, so you will have to rely on diagnosing the symptoms yourself. If you suspect the presence of any infected plants, I recommend immediately killing those plants and removing them from your garden.
Is there a cure for citrus yellow vein clearing virus?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CYVCV at this time, so prevention is imperative to prevent damage to your garden. Remember, you always want to stay proactive instead of reactive when dealing with pests and pathogens. This means keeping up with best practices even when you don’t see an issue. This will prevent them from ever becoming an issue in the first place.
Keep learning to keep your gardens greener,
Sources:
Spenser
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