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How can you control pepper mild mottle virus?

The pepper mild mottle virus (PPMV) is an aggressive virus that occurs in the cultivation of peppers and sweet peppers. The virus is highly contagious and can lead to major production losses, especially if plants become infected at an early stage. Because fighting the virus is difficult, it is especially important to take the right measures to prevent infection. In this article, our specialists list their tips for preventing and fighting the pepper mild mottle virus.

Mottle virus pepper cultivation
Jasper Verhoeven
Specialist Hygiene & Disinfection | April 7, 2021 | 4 min. reading time

Recognizing pepper mild mottle virus

How the virus manifests itself in the crop depends on several factors: the age of the plant, the temperature in the greenhouse and how long the plant has been infected. Sometimes you only see a yellowing of the leaves, but often the plant also shows other symptoms. On the young leaves you usually see a faint pattern of dark and light green spots, the so-called mosaic pattern. Also, the fruits are often smaller, misshapen and/or puckered and you can sometimes see small, sunken spots on the fruits. Furthermore, you often see growth inhibition. 

Please note that the above symptoms may indicate pepper mild mottle virus, but could also indicate cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus. These viruses cause the same damage in peppers. Our specialists can help you determine which virus you are dealing with. 

Preventing pepper mild mottle virus

By implementing strict hygiene measures at the company, you limit the risk of the pepper mild mottle virus getting in. Therefore, ensure effective hygiene measures when entering the area and establish a clear hygiene protocol for visitors.  

Controlling pepper mild mottle virus

The pepper mild mottle virus is a stable and highly contagious virus. It is mainly spread mechanically in the greenhouse via vegetable sap during cultivation, but it can also spread through the greenhouse via the substrate, soil and drain water. Insects, on the other hand, do not spread the virus. 
Once a plant is infected, this cannot be undone (the symptoms may disappear or diminish, but the following year it can return in full force). This makes the pepper mild mottle virus difficult to control during cultivation. However, there are a number of measures you can take during cultivation to minimize the spread of a (potential) infection:
  • Disinfect the drain and irrigation water so that it is free from any harmful organisms.
  • Make sure employees disinfect their hands before entering the greenhouse and make sure they wear clean clothes.
  • Regularly dip knives and scissors into a solution of Menno Florades to remove vegetable sap. Also disinfect the hands regularly in between activities.
  • If you see an infected plant, remove it immediately, along with the other plants on the same mat and some plants in the working direction of the path. There is a good chance that these plants are also affected. Put the plants in a plastic bag and disinfect hands thoroughly after disposal.
However, the most important moment to control the pepper mild mottle virus is during the crop rotation. First, make sure all plant residues are removed from the greenhouse, as the virus can survive in plant material for up to several months. Then thoroughly clean and disinfect the greenhouse as described in the disinfection protocol. This way, you kill off any pathogens present and prevent the new crop from becoming infected. 
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How can you control pepper mild mottle virus?

The pepper mild mottle virus (PPMV) is an aggressive virus that occurs in the cultivation of peppers and sweet peppers. The virus is highly contagious and can lead to major production losses, especially if plants become infected at an early stage. Because fighting the virus is difficult, it is especially important to take the right measures to prevent infection. In this article, our specialists list their tips for preventing and fighting the pepper mild mottle virus.

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Jasper Verhoeven, product specialist hygiene
Jasper Verhoeven
Specialist Hygiene & Disinfection | April 7, 2021 | 2 min. reading time
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Mottle virus pepper cultivation

Recognizing pepper mild mottle virus

How the virus manifests itself in the crop depends on several factors: the age of the plant, the temperature in the greenhouse and how long the plant has been infected. Sometimes you only see a yellowing of the leaves, but often the plant also shows other symptoms. On the young leaves you usually see a faint pattern of dark and light green spots, the so-called mosaic pattern. Also, the fruits are often smaller, misshapen and/or puckered and you can sometimes see small, sunken spots on the fruits. Furthermore, you often see growth inhibition. 

Please note that the above symptoms may indicate pepper mild mottle virus, but could also indicate cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus. These viruses cause the same damage in peppers. Our specialists can help you determine which virus you are dealing with. 

Preventing pepper mild mottle virus

By implementing strict hygiene measures at the company, you limit the risk of the pepper mild mottle virus getting in. Therefore, ensure effective hygiene measures when entering the area and establish a clear hygiene protocol for visitors.  

Controlling pepper mild mottle virus

The pepper mild mottle virus is a stable and highly contagious virus. It is mainly spread mechanically in the greenhouse via vegetable sap during cultivation, but it can also spread through the greenhouse via the substrate, soil and drain water. Insects, on the other hand, do not spread the virus. 
Once a plant is infected, this cannot be undone (the symptoms may disappear or diminish, but the following year it can return in full force). This makes the pepper mild mottle virus difficult to control during cultivation. However, there are a number of measures you can take during cultivation to minimize the spread of a (potential) infection:
  • Disinfect the drain and irrigation water so that it is free from any harmful organisms.
  • Make sure employees disinfect their hands before entering the greenhouse and make sure they wear clean clothes.
  • Regularly dip knives and scissors into a solution of Menno Florades to remove vegetable sap. Also disinfect the hands regularly in between activities.
  • If you see an infected plant, remove it immediately, along with the other plants on the same mat and some plants in the working direction of the path. There is a good chance that these plants are also affected. Put the plants in a plastic bag and disinfect hands thoroughly after disposal.
However, the most important moment to control the pepper mild mottle virus is during the crop rotation. First, make sure all plant residues are removed from the greenhouse, as the virus can survive in plant material for up to several months. Then thoroughly clean and disinfect the greenhouse as described in the disinfection protocol. This way, you kill off any pathogens present and prevent the new crop from becoming infected. 


Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Jasper Verhoeven will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Jasper Verhoeven, product specialist hygiene
Also interesting for you
Why is working hygienically important?
Although disinfecting of the greenhouse will prevent undesired diseases and pests, it is important to also consider possible diseases spread by people, machines and tools.

What are the standards for residues of crop protection products?
A large amount of residue on fruit and vegetable can lead to health risks for consumers. Therefore, legal residue standards for food products have been established to ensure food safety.
Which personal protective equipment do you need to wear?
When working with crop protection products, it is important that you wear the correct personal protection equipment. Unprotected working with crop protection products can lead to health risks.