Cause Dasheen mosaic virus, a rod-shape potyvirus. It can be transmitted by aphids (nonpersistent), mechanically through infected sap, and by vegetative propagation. It infects many members of the Araceae family including jack-in-the-pulpit, caladium, philodendron, and calla lily.
Symptoms Depending on species or cultivar, infected plants may develop ringspots, mosaics, and leaf distortions and/or color breaks.
Cultural control
- Buy only clean, pathogen-free plants.
- Quickly rogue out and destroy infected plants. Quarantining new plants may help prevent spread to healthy ones.
- Control aphids. See the PNW Insect Management Handbook for details.
Reference Chase, A.R. 1987. Compendium of Ornamental Foliage Plant Diseases. St. Paul, MN: APS Press.