Iris, Bulbous and Rhizomatous (Iris spp.)-Viruses

Latest revision: 
March 2024

Cause Iris mild mosaic viruMMV) and Iris iris severe mosaic virus (ISMV) are problems forous iris; Iris iris fulva mosaic virus (IFMV) is a problem for rhizomatous irises. All are in the potyvirus group. Transmission, by aphids, is nonpersistent. Bean yellow mosaic vV) and Narcissus narcissus latent virus (NLV) have also been found. Less cound are Cucumber cucumsaic virus, Broad broad bevirus, and Tobacco tobacco ringspot virus.

Symptoms On bulbous iris, IMMV-infected plants may be stunted with yellowish streaks on leaves and dark, teardrop-shaped markings on white, blue, or lavender flowers. Clear, feathery markings may develop on yellow flowers. Iris are more severely affected if simultaneously infected with IMMV and ISMV, BYMV, or NLV. Symptoms also are more pronounced during cool, wet weather and on young foliage.

Iris fulva hybrids infected with IFMV have a mild mosaic, sometimes with leaf malformation.

Cultural control

  • Plant pathogen-free stock.
  • Rogue all diseased plants.
  • Plant resistant or symptomless cultivars.
  • Controlling aphid vectors is not effective.

References Barn.W. 19s Fulvaa Mosaic mosaic Virusvirus. AAB Descriptions of Plant Viruses, No. 310. Wellesbourne, Warwick, U.K.: Association of Applied Biologists.

BrA.A. ris Mild Mosaic mosaic Virusvirus. AAB Descriptions of Plant Viruses, No. 324. Wellesbourne, Warwick, U.K.: Association of Applied Biologists.