Diseases

Lettuce mosaic virus

Lactuca sativa L.

The main viral disease of lettuce is Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), which is transmitted by seeds and aphids. The disease causes leaf deformation, chlorotic spotting, and prevents the formation of a full-grown head.

In the reference 907 varieties crop Lettuce, where this is mentioned in the description.

The pathogen is Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), belonging to the genus Potyvirus. There are four pathotype groups of isolates (I, II, III, IV) that differ in their interaction with resistance genes. In young plants, the infection manifests as curling, a mosaic pattern, and stunted growth, whereas in mature specimens, necrotic spots and deformation of the outer leaves develop.

In lettuce breeding, the recessive gene mo1 with alleles mo1¹ and mo1² is used for protection against LMV. These genes encode the translation initiation factor eIF4E, blocking the spread of the virus within plant tissues. Dominant genes Mo2, Mo3, and Mo4 have also been described, but their use in commercial varieties is limited due to the virus overcoming them or challenges in the breeding process.

General information about the subject — on the page Viral mosaic diseases.

Sources8

Varieties of Lettuce mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.