Virus symptoms on pumpkin leaves are widespread this year especially in northern OH. We have received numerous calls from growers who have not seen this disease or who have not had this problem in the past few years. While it is just about impossible to identify the type of virus based on visual symptoms alone, after a three year survey of several locations in OH, we found the predominant virus infecting pumpkins to be watermelon mosaic virus. Below is a quick review of some typical watermelon mosaic virus symptoms.

General View of Symptoms of Virus on Pumpkin Leaves. Notice the mottled appearance and the bubble like texture of the leaves. Infected leaves can be widespread throughout the field but symptoms are usually seen first on the younger leaves near the vine tips.

A closer look at pumpkin leaves probably infected with watermelon mosaic virus. Notice the stringlike appearance that some leaves exhibit as if they have come in contact with a phenoxy type herbicide such as 2,4,D. Early infection can lead to reduced fruit set and yield. If fruit are already present, some will be mottled, bumpy and unmarketable but most fruit will be usable. Their is greater demand for those unusual looking pumpkins.

Click Here to go to 'The Pumpkin Patch' and see the results of the Three Year Virus Survey

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