Cause A virus, zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), that is found worldwide and can cause devastating losses. Several aphid species non-persistently spread this virus; it can be spread by mechanical means. Little is known about its overwintering.
Symptoms A yellow mosaic and severe malformations, necrosis, severe stunting of size and leaf lamina, and fruit cracking. Seeds may be deformed.
Control Either traditional host resistance or transgenic plants containing coat proteins would help to manage the disease but all commercial varieties are susceptible. Aphid control is extremely difficult.
Reference Provvidenti, R. 1996. Zucchini yellow mosaic. In: Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases. APS Press, St. Paul, MN. 87 pp.