United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Animal and 

Plant Health 

Inspection 

Service

Plant Protection 

and Quarantine

New Pest Response 

Guidelines 

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus

CGMMV 
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 2

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the 

basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, 

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an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Department of Agriculture.

Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture over others not mentioned. USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of 

any product mentioned. Product names are mentioned solely to report factually on available data and to provide 

specific information.

This publication reports research involving pesticides. All uses of pesticides must be registered by appropriate 

state and/or federal agencies before they can be recommended.

CAUTION: Pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable plants, and fish or other 

wildlife—if they are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides selectively and carefully. Follow 

recommended practices for the disposal of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers.
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Contents

Figures and Tables .................................................................................................. 4

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 5

2. Pest at a Glance ................................................................................................ 6

3. Pest Overview .................................................................................................. 8

4. Pest Identification and Damage ...................................................................... 12

5. Delimitation Survey ....................................................................................... 16

6. Eradication and Control Options .................................................................... 29

7. Research Needs .............................................................................................. 34

8. Literature Cited .............................................................................................. 35

9. Authors and Reviewers .................................................................................. 39

G. species
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Figures and Tables

Figures

Figure 3-1. The complex disease cycle of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 

(CGMMV) in cucurbit crop plants (p. 9).

Figure 4-1. Foliar symptoms on cucumbers infected with CGMMV (p. 14).

Figure 4-2. Symptomatic watermelon fruit (top) and leaves (bottom) from plants 

infected with CGMMV (p. 15).

Figure 4-3. Foliar symptoms of CGMMV on cantaloupe (p. 15).

Figure 5-1. Stratified random sampling demonstrating uniform quadrants and 

sample sites (p. 26).

Tables

Table 3-1. List of reported plant hosts of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus; 

(*) indicates a species not known to occur in the United States and (a

) indicates a 

weed host (p. 9).

Table 3-2. Reported worldwide distribution of Cucumber green mottle mosaic 

virus (p. 11).

Table 5-1. Required number of seed subsamples to collect to detect CGMMV in a 

seed production field post-harvest (p. 21).

Table 5-2. Required seed sample sizes for hosts of Cucumber green mottle 

mosaic virus (pp. 22 and 29).

Table 5-3. Required number of seed subsamples to collect, based on post-harvest

seed lot size, from seed production fields in the delimitation area (p. 28)

G. species
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1. Introduction

The purpose of this NPRG is to provide the basic information likely to be needed 

by the initial PPQ response team in the first 30 to 60 days following a detection of 

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) in the United States.

These guidelines for CGMMV include the following:

♦ Summary of relevant pest biology 

♦ Guide to identification or screening for the pest in the field based on 

damage

♦ Preliminary method for conducting a delimiting survey

♦ Preliminary method for collecting seed samples for testing

♦ Summary of known potential control and management options 

♦ Summary of knowledge gaps 

Note: This document is based on the best information available at the time of 

development; however, at the time of an actual emergency, new scientific and 

technical information may be identified. In addition, each pest incursion has 

unique, site-specific characteristics that are impossible to predict. Therefore, this 

document should be considered only as a general guideline. As the pest situation 

evolves and new information is gathered, the responses implemented, including 

survey protocols, may need to be modified from the original recommendations. 

Chapter

1
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2. Pest at a Glance

Pest Summary

Justification

CGMMV is considered to be transient and under official control in the United 

States (El-Lissy, 2014). The purpose of this NPRG is to provide guidance for the 

initial PPQ response team should CGMMV be detected in a new area.

Damage caused by CGMMV can be severe, resulting in substantial yield and 

quality losses depending upon the host infected (Liu et al., 2014; Reingold et al., 

2015; Fletcher et al., 1969; Nilsson, 1977; Zhou et al., 2008). The most severe 

yield losses result from early infections, while late infections have little effect

(Fletcher et al., 1969). Preventing the entry and establishment of CGMMV in

new areas is critical for disease management (Dombrovsky et al., 2017).

Economically Important Crops at Risk in the United States

White or wax gourd (Benincasa hispida), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), West 

Indian gherkin (Cucumis anguria), melon and cantaloupe (C. melo), garden 

cucumber (C. sativus), winter squash and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima),

crookneck squash (Cu. moschata), field pumpkin and zucchini (Cu. pepo), bottle 

gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), ridged gourd or sinkwa towelsponge (Luffa 

acutangula), smooth loofah gourd or sponge gourd (L. cylindrica), bitter gourd or

balsampear (Momordica charantia), and snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina)

(Dombrovsky et al., 2017).

Key Information

♦ CGMMV is generally introduced into new areas or fields via contaminated 

seed or soil or infected transplant seedlings.

♦ Once introduced, CGMMV is easily spread to susceptible plants by 

mechanical means and normal agricultural practices.

♦ CGMMV can be asymptomatic in some hosts, such as pumpkin and 

Chapter

2
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certain melon cultivars.

♦ Look-alike pathogens are present in the United States; plant foliage, fruit,

or seeds must be tested to identify CGMMV. 
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3. Pest Overview

Pest Information

Scientific Name

♦ Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus

Taxonomic Position

♦ Virgaviridae: Tobamovirus

Synonym(s)

♦ bottlegourd Indian mosaic virus 

♦ cucumber green mottle mosaic tobamovirus 

♦ cucumber green mottle mosaic watermelon strain (W) 

♦ cucumber mottle virus 

♦ cucumber virus 2

♦ cucumber virus 3 

♦ cucumber virus 4

♦ cucumis virus 2

♦ tobacco mosaic virus watermelon strain-W

Common Names

♦ CGMMV

Hosts

Table 3-1 List of reported plant hosts of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus; (*) 

indicates a species not known to occur in the United States (NRCS, 2018) and (a) 

indicates a weed host.

Scientific name Common name References

Benincasa hispida White gourd, wax gourd Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Citrullus lanatus Watermelon Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Cucumis anguria West Indian gherkin Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Chapter

3
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Cucumis melo Melon, cantaloupe Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Cucumis sativus Garden cucumber Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Cucurbita maxima Winter squash, 

pumpkin

Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Cucurbita moschata Crookneck squash Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Cucurbita pepo Field pumpkin, zucchini Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Lagenaria siceraria Bottle gourd Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Luffa acutangula Ridged gourd, sinkwa 

towelsponge

Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Luffa cylindrica Smooth loofah gourd, 

sponge gourd

Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Momordica charantia Bitter gourd, 

balsampear

Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Trichosanthes cucumerina Snake gourd Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Amaranthus blitoidesa Spreading amaranth Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Amaranthus graecizansa Prostrate pigweed Shargil et al., 2017

Amaranthus muricatusa African amaranth Shargil et al., 2017

Amaranthus retroflexusa Redroot pigweed Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Amaranthus viridisa Slender amaranth Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Chenopodium albuma Lambsquarters Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Citrullus colocynthisa Colocynth Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Chrozophora tinctoriaa Dyer’s croton, giradol Shargil et al., 2017

Ecballium elateriuma Squirting cucumber Shargil et al., 2017

Heracleum moellendorffii*a Persian hogweed Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Heliotropium europaeuma European heliotrope Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Moluccella laevisa Bells of Ireland, 

shellflower

Shargil et al., 2017

Mukia maderaspatana*a Erinkanyaba okí-òka Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Portulaca oleraceaa Purslane, little hogweed Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Solanum nigruma Black nightshade Dombrovsky et al., 2017

Withania somniferaa Indian ginseng, 

withania

Shargil et al., 2017

Dispersal

Natural Movement

CGMMV is seedborne in cucurbits (Dombrovsky et al., 2017), with transmission 

rates varying by host (Al-Tamimi et al., 2009; Wu et al., 2011; Li et al., 2016; 

Reingold et al., 2016a)(Figure 3-1). 

CGMMV can survive in and spread from contaminated irrigation water, 

recirculated greenhouse water, soil, and plant debris (Reingold et al., 2016a; 

Reingold et al., 2015; Antignus et al., 2005; Dombrovsky et al., 2017; Li et al., 

2016); the pathogen can persist in soil for up to 2-years (Dombrovsky et al., 

2017). The virus is transmitted by plant-to-plant contact during normal growth 

(Rao and Varma, 1984). 
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Honeybees (Apis mellifera) can spread CGMMV while foraging (Darzi et al., 

2018; Tran-Nguyen et al., 2015). It can be pollen-transmitted from infected 

cucumbers under experimental conditions only (Liu et al., 2014); cucumber leaf 

beetles (Raphidopalpa feveicollis) may also be vectors (Rao and Varma, 1984), 

although this hasn’t been proven. 

Figure 3-1. The complex disease cycle of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) in 

cucurbit crop plants (Dombrovsky et al., 2017). Red arrows represent major infection events. 

Gray arrows represent the survival of virus infectivity in soil, weeds, planting trays, etc. 

Human-Assisted Spread

CGMMV has been introduced to new areas via infected transplants received from 

contaminated nurseries (Dombrovsky et al., 2017). CGMMV is very stable and 

can remain infectious on contaminated surfaces and in infested plant debris or soil

for several months to several years (Antignus, 2012; Hollings et al., 1975; 

Reingold et al., 2016a; (Dombrovsky et al., 2017)). Therefore, it is easily spread 

by mechanical means, agricultural practices (Reingold et al., 2016a), and plant-toplant contact (Dombrovsky et al., 2017). CGMMV can survive on pruning 

equipment, clothing, boxes, crates, hands, and machinery (Hollings et al., 1975; 
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 11

Liu et al., 2014), and is readily transmitted when contaminated items come in 

contact with susceptible hosts (Reingold et al., 2016a). 
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4. Pest Identification and

Damage

Species Description/Morphology

CGMMV can be identified using electron microscopy (Hollings et al., 1975; 

CABI, 2018), serology (Agdia, 2016; AgDia, 2018; Shang et al., 2011) and 

molecular methods (Mandal et al., 2008; Li et al., 2013). The International Seed 

Testing Association (ISTA) has developed an internationally recognized seed 

testing protocol (ISTA, 2014), but, Australia and others have since raised 

concerns about the probability of detecting low levels of infection with this 

method (Falk et al., 2016; DAWR, 2017). U.S. regulatory agencies use serology 

and molecular methods to identify CGMMV-infected cucurbits.

Signs and Symptoms

CGMMV symptom development is affected by the environmental conditions, 

viral strain, and host developmental stage at the time of infection (Dombrovsky et 

al., 2017); foliar symptoms may take six or more weeks to develop after seed 

sowing (Li et al., 2016). Typical symptoms include leaf mottling, leaf mosaic, and 

fruit mottling or distortion (Reingold et al., 2015). However, foliage and fruit 

symptoms vary among cucurbit species and cultivars, and plants may have 

asymptomatic infections.

• Cucumber- Green mottling occurs on young leaves and fruit surfaces; 

infected plants may collapse (Dombrovsky et al., 2017)(Figure 4-1).

• Watermelon- Young plants display mottling and mosaic on leaves and 

may develop brown necrotic lesions on the stems and peduncles. Foliage 

eventually develops a bleached appearance and wilts. Runners or whole 

plants may die prematurely. In some cases, foliar symptoms may fade as 

plants mature or may be masked in field-grown plants (Reingold et al., 

2013). Fruit are often malformed, with the internal flesh becoming spongy 

or rotten and developing a yellow or dirty red discoloration (Dombrovsky 

Chapter

4
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et al., 2017)(Figure 4-2). 

• Melon- Young leaves initially develop mottle and mosaic symptoms that 

often disappear once foliage matures. Fruits develop varying degrees of 

malformation, mottling, and surface netting; some melon cultivars are

asymptomatic (Rajamony et al., 1987; Rajamony et al., 1990; Sugiyama et 

al., 2006)(Figure 4-3). 

• Pumpkin, squash, and zucchini- Infected foliage is usually 

asymptomatic, although leaf mottling and mosaic occasionally occur. 

Pumpkin fruits are always asymptomatic, while squash and zucchinis are 

sometimes externally asymptomatic but internally discolored and necrotic 

(Dombrovsky et al., 2017). 

• Weeds- In general, non-cucurbitaceous weeds are asymptomatic (Shargil 

et al., 2017; Tran-Nguyen et al., 2015).

Figure 4-1. Foliar symptoms on cucumbers infected with CGMMV (T. Pittman, University of 

California – Davis).
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Figure 4-2. Symptomatic watermelon fruit (above) and leaves (below) from plants infected 

with CGMMV (T. Pittman, University of California- Davis).

Figure 4-3. Foliar symptoms of CGMMV on cantaloupe (T. Pittman, University of California – 

Davis).
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 15

Similar Species

It is difficult to identify CGMMV based on symptoms alone because other viruses 

cause similar symptoms in cucurbits. These include Kyuri green mottle mosaic 

virus (Francki et al., 1986), Cucumber fruit mottle mosaic virus (Antignus et al., 

2001), Zucchini green mottle mosaic virus (Ryn et al., 2000), Cucumber mottle 

mosaic virus (Orita et al., 2007), Watermelon green mottle mosaic virus (Cheng et 

al., 2018), Cucumber mosaic virus, Alfalfa mosaic virus, Watermelon mosaic 

virus, and Squash mosaic virus (Hollings et al., 1975). Of these viruses, 

Cucumber mosaic virus, Alfalfa mosaic virus, Watermelon mosaic virus, and 

Squash mosaic virus occur within the United States (CABI, 2018; Falk et al.,

2016). 
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 16

5. Survey

Introduction

Use Chapter 5 Survey Procedures as a guide to conducting detection and 

delimitation surveys for CGMMV in fruit and seed production areas. While some 

survey components are the same, the approach and design of each survey is 

different based on the survey goal. Detection surveys are designed to determine 

if CGMMV is present or absent in a defined area. Thus, surveys are conducted in 

areas and at times where disease may be most to be visible. In contrast, 

delimitation surveys are designed to determine the geographic distribution of a 

pest. Surveys begin at a known detection site and sampling is done around that 

site to determine how widespread the disease is in a specified area.

Before starting, determine whether you need a detection or delimitation survey,

and follow the appropriate survey protocol. The protocols have been written such 

that each protocol may be removed from the NPRG and shared with surveyors.

Chapter

5
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Detection Survey

Perform this survey if CGMMV is not present. Detection surveys ascertain the 

presence or absence of a pest in an area where it is not known to occur. Surveys 

can be broad in scope over large areas (e.g. multiple fields, farms, or states), or 

may be restricted to small focused areas such as a field or a greenhouse. 

The survey will generate either positive (pathogen detected) or negative 

(pathogen not detected) results. Negative detection survey results are not

sufficient to declare an area free of CGMMV. They are, however, valuable for 

informing future surveys by providing clues about the mode of dispersal, 

temporal occurrence, or effect of industry practices, particularly when considered 

with results from similar areas.

Timing of Survey

Survey timing depends upon the pathogen life cycle, the plant growth stage when 

infection is likely to occur, and the ecological parameters that support pathogen 

dispersal. Visually surveying for CGMMV can be a challenge as symptoms may 

not appear until six weeks or more after seed sowing and may fade as plants 

mature; certain hosts may also be asymptomatic. If possible, the survey should be 

conducted during a time when infection is most likely to be apparent. 

In greenhouses- Virus symptoms may not be readily expressed in young 

transplants. Transplants should be inspected within 1-wk of their projected 

shipping date. If any symptoms are noted during inspection, collect a sample from 

the suspect plant(s) and from its immediate neighbors (i.e., the leaves of 

neighboring plant(s) that are in immediate contact with the suspect plant). 

In the field- Begin surveying six weeks after seed sowing. Early in the growing 

season, surveyors should focus on identifying plants exhibiting foliar symptoms. 

If any symptoms are noted during inspection, samples should be collected from 

the symptomatic plant and neighboring plants within 2.5 m (8 ft). If no symptoms 

are present, samples should be randomly collected from within the field. 

Later in the growing season, surveyors should focus on detecting plants exhibiting 

fruit symptoms. Crops such as watermelon, melon, and cucumber should express 

such symptoms (see Chapter 4). For these crops, samples should be collected 

from the symptomatic plant and neighboring plants within 2.5 meters of the

suspect plant. For crops, such as pumpkin, squash, and zucchini, fruit will appear 

symptomless externally. For these crops, samples should be randomly collected 

from within the field. 
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Seed- Infected seeds appear asymptomatic. Samples must be collected postharvest, but prior to any seed disinfestation or treatment activities as such 

treatments can impact our ability to detect CGMMV.

Survey Techniques for Detection

Survey Preparation, Sanitization and Clean-Up

This section provides information to aid personnel in preparing to conduct a 

survey, procedures to follow during a survey, and instructions for proper cleaning 

and sanitizing of supplies and equipment after the survey is finished.

1. Prior to beginning a survey, determine whether any pesticide applications 

have recently occurred that would render it unsafe to inspect the plants. 

Contact the property owner or manager and ask if a re-entry period is in 

effect due to pesticide application. Look for posted signs indicating recent 

pesticide applications, particularly in commercial fields or nurseries.

2. Determine whether quarantines for other pests or crops are in effect for the 

survey area. Comply with all quarantine requirements.

3. When visiting an area to conduct surveys or take samples, take strict 

measures to prevent transmission of CGMMV or other pests between fields 

during inspections.

4. Use disposable protective clothing, gloves and footwear, and change them 

before entering and as you leave each site. Upon exiting the field, the 

disposable clothing and gloves should be placed immediately into collection 

bags.

5. Confirm that equipment, tools and footwear are clean and sanitized. 

a. When taking plant samples, disinfect tools, including the handles, with 

10.0 percent hypochlorite solution (bleach). 

b. Briefly spray to runoff or immerse each tool in bleach and allow it to airdry. This practice effectively inactivates plant pathogens and prevents 

their spread.

c. Disinfect footwear or dispose of foot covers prior to leaving a site.

d. Use a high pressure delivery system, such as a steam pressure wash 

system, to disinfect large pieces of equipment, storage areas or bins. 

Vehicles and equipment should be cleaned with a detergent or 

disinfectant during pressure washing to ensure deactivation of the virus.

Visual survey

Conduct a visual inspection by searching for plants with typical CGMMV
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 19

symptoms as follows (see also Section 4). 

Collect samples from all symptomatic plants and submit them for testing. The 

type of tissue collected will depend on when you conduct the survey.

Two basic principles should govern your inspection and sampling processes:

1. CGMMV cannot be diagnosed by a visual inspection of symptoms alone;

only laboratory testing can provide a definitive diagnosis. 

2. If you have any doubt as to whether the symptoms observed could be 

caused by CGMMV, collect a sample. 

The following symptoms can typically be found on hosts infected with CGMMV:

• Cucumber

o Foliage: Green mottling on young leaves, collapsed plants;

o Fruit: Green mottling on fruit surfaces;

• Watermelon

o Foliage: Leaf mottling and mosaic symptoms in young plants,

brown necrotic lesions on stems and peduncles, foliage bleached 

and wilted, dead runners or whole plants; 

o Fruit: Malformed, internal flesh spongy or rotten with a yellow or 

dirty red discoloration; 

• Melon

o Foliage: Mottle and mosaic symptoms on young leaves,mature 

leaves may be asymptomatic;

o Fruit: Malformed, mottled, or with surface netting, some may be 

asymptomatic;

• Pumpkin, squash, and zucchini

o Foliage: Usually asymptomatic, although leaf mottling and mosaic 

may occur;

o Fruit: Pumpkin fruits are asymptomatic, squash and zucchini fruits 

are sometimes externally symptomless but internally discolored 

and necrotic.

Field Sample Collection

Survey task forces should include an experienced survey specialist or plant 

pathologist familiar with CGMMV and the symptoms it causes. 

1. Surveyors visiting sites to obtain samples should collect the following 

information:

• Date of collection or observations
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• Collector’s name

• Grower’s field identification numbers (grower can provide this 

information)

• Full name of business, institution, or agency

• Full mailing address, including country

• Type of property (commercial nursery, natural field, orchard, vineyard,

or residence)

• GPS coordinates of the host plant and property 

• Host plant species and specific crop plant variety, if applicable

• Presence or absence of the pest

• Observations of signs and symptoms

• Percentage of the field displaying disease symptoms

• General conditions or any other relevant information

2. Samples to collect:

• Foliar samples: A sample consists of five symptomatic leaflets from a 

single plant. Use a pruner to remove and collect the leaflets. Place all 

leaflets into a single re-sealable plastic bag, label the bag as described 

above, and then place the sample bag into a second, re-sealable plastic 

bag. Multiple samples from the same field or greenhouse may be 

placed into the second bag. The pruner and your gloves must be 

sanitized with a disinfectant between each plant. Preferentially 

collect foliar samples. 

• Fruit samples: Collect these samples only if the foliage has already 

dried down or died. To examine fruit, cut the fruit open with a knife 

or similar instrument. If symptoms are observed, cut a disk from the 

symptomatic fruit, place it into a single, re-sealable plastic bag, label 

the bag as described above, and then place into a second, re-sealable 

plastic bag. Multiple samples from the same field or greenhouse may 

be placed into the second bag. The knife and your gloves must be 

sanitized with a disinfectant between each plant. 

Seed Sample Collection

The survey task force should include a certified seed sampler or experienced 

survey specialist. Within the detection survey area, randomly choose the seed 

production fields to be surveyed. Collect the seed samples post-harvest, but prior 

to any planned seed treatments. 

Surveyors visiting sites to obtain samples should collect the following information 

for each seed sample:

♦ Date of collection or observations
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 21

♦ Collector’s name

♦ Seed lot number

♦ Seed lot volume

♦ Full name of business, institution, or agency

♦ Full mailing address, including country

♦ Origin(s) of seed lot(s). including physical location(s), field- or nurserygrown, and country of origin

♦ Host plant species and specific crop plant variety, if applicable

♦ General conditions or any other relevant information

CGMMV-infected seeds are rarely symptomatic. Take the following actions to 

collect a representative sample from the seed lot: 

1. Using a disposable cup, such as a 3- or 5-oz paper Dixie cup, obtain a sample 

of the seed lot. Five to 40 subsamples should be collected from each seed lot 

(Table 5-1)(Kruse et al., 2004).

a. For large seed lots, collect the required volume for that host (Table 5-

1).

b. For small seed lots from which only a few seeds are available, collect 

20 percent of the seed lot (Dombrovsky et al., 2017).

2. Combine the subsamples into a single, labeled plastic bag. Include the 

disposable cup in the sample bag. Do not re-use the disposable cup.

3. Record the required information on the sample bag.

4. Double bag the samples and deliver them to a diagnostic laboratory within 48-

hr.

Table 5-1 Required number of seed subsamples to collect to detect CGMMV in a seed 

production field post-harvest (modified from Kruse et al., 2004). 

Lot size Number of subsamples to collect

up to 500 kg five (5)

501-3,000 kg one subsample for each 300 kg, but no less than five (5)

3,001-20,000 kg On subsample for each 500 kg, but no less than ten (10)

>20,001 kg one subsample for each 700 kg, but no less than forty (40)

Table 5-2 Required seed sample sizes for hosts of Cucumber green mottle mosaic 

virus (7 CFR § 201.46, 2000).

Host Seeds per gram Required sample size 

Cucumber 40 100 grams (4 ounces = 0.5 cups)

West India gherkin 153 27 grams (1 ounce = 0.125 cups)

Melon 45 89 grams (3 ounces = 0.33 cups)

Pumpkin 5 800 grams (28 ounces = 3.25 cups)

Squash 14 286 grams (10 ounces = 1.25 cups )

Watermelon 11 364 grams (13 ounces = 1.67 cups)
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 22

Delimiting Survey

After confirming a CGMMV detection in a new area, conduct a delimiting survey 

to define the geographic extent of the pest. Surveys after an initial U.S. detection 

should be most intensive around the known positive detection(s), including 

adjacent fields, any associated fields* and any potentially infected areas 

discovered through trace-back and trace-forward investigations. 

* Agricultural fields that share ownership, tendency, seed, seed source, drainage or runoff, farm 

machinery, personnel, or other elements of shared cultural practices with the infested fields that 

could allow spread of inoculum. A field or land that has been exposed as a result of unauthorized 

deposit of soil from infested fields is also considered an associated field.

CGMMV may infect fields and greenhouses used for seed or for fruit production. 

The method for surveying and collecting samples from fields and greenhouses is 

approximately the same. For seed production fields within the delimitation area, 

seeds should also be tested for CGMMV after harvest (see Seed Sample 

Collection). 

Delimitation Area

The extent of the delimitation area will be determined by the following factors:

• The number and size of associated and adjacent cucurbit fields or 

greenhouses;

• Shared use of farm equipment and/or personnel between 

fields/greenhouses; 

• Trace out investigations;

• Flow of irrigation or water from the infested field(s).

For the delimitation survey, the entire field should be inspected along with any 

weeds that are present within or neighboring (i.e., in immediate foliar contact with 

the suspect cucurbit plants) the field.

Seed production crops in the delimitation area must undergo two inspections: 1) a 

field inspection during the growing season (targeting young plants and leaves), 

and 2) seed sampling after harvest. 

Within greenhouses, visually inspect all plants for virus symptoms. If any 

symptoms are noted during inspection, collect a sample from the suspect plant(s) 

and from its immediate neighbors (i.e., the leaves of neighboring plant(s) that are 

in immediate contact with the suspect plant). 

In the field, visually inspect all plants for virus symptoms. If surveying early in 
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 23

the growing season, focus on identifying plants exhibiting foliar symptoms. If any 

symptoms are noted during inspection, samples should be collected from the 

symptomatic plants and neighboring plants within 2.5 meters (8 feet). If no 

symptoms are present, samples should be randomly collected from within the 

field. If surveying late in the growing season, inspect plants for symptomatic 

foliage and fruit crops such as watermelon, melon, and cucumber should express 

symptoms (see Chapter 4). For these crops, samples should be collected from the 

symptomatic plants and neighboring plants within 2.5 meters of the suspect plant. 

For crops, such as pumpkin, squash, and zucchini, fruit will appear symptomless

externally and samples should be randomly collected from within the field.

Survey Techniques for Delimitation

Survey Preparation, Sanitization and Clean-Up

This section provides information to aid personnel in preparing to conduct a 

survey, procedures to follow during a survey, and instructions for proper cleaning 

and sanitizing of supplies and equipment after the survey is finished.

1. Prior to beginning a survey, determine whether any pesticide applications 

have recently occurred that would render it unsafe to inspect the plants. 

Contact the property owner or manager and ask if a re-entry period is in effect 

due to pesticide application. Look for posted signs indicating recent pesticide 

applications, particularly in commercial fields or nurseries.

2. Determine whether quarantines for other pests or crops are in effect for the 

survey area. Comply with all quarantine requirements.

3. When visiting an area to conduct surveys or take samples, take strict 

measures to prevent transmission of CGMMV or other pests between fields 

during inspections.

4. Use disposable protective clothing, gloves and footwear, and change them 

before entering and as you leave each site. Upon exiting the field, the 

disposable clothing and gloves should be placed immediately into collection 

bags.

5. Confirm that equipment, tools and footwear are clean and sanitized. 

a. When taking plant samples, disinfect tools, including the handles, with 

10.0 percent hypochlorite solution (bleach). 

b. Briefly spray to runoff or immerse each tool in bleach and allow it to airdry. This practice effectively inactivates plant pathogens and prevents 

their spread.

c. Disinfect footwear or dispose of foot covers prior to leaving a site.
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 24

d. Use a high pressure delivery system, such as a steam pressure wash 

system, to disinfect large pieces of equipment, storage areas or bins. 

Vehicles and equipment should be cleaned with a detergent or 

disinfectant during pressure washing to ensure deactivation of the virus.

Delimitation Procedure

Begin the delimiting survey by conducting a thorough visual inspection of the 

field(s), searching for plants with typical CGMMV symptoms as follows (see also 

Chapter 4). 

Two basic principles should govern your inspection and sampling processes:

1. CGMMV cannot be diagnosed by a visual inspection of symptoms alone;

only laboratory testing can provide a definitive diagnosis. 

2. If you have any doubt as to whether the symptoms observed could be 

caused by CGMMV, collect a sample. 

Collect a minimum of 40 samples from symptomatic plants in each associated 

field and each fields identified by trace-forward and trace-back investigations. If 

few to no symptomatic plants are observed, samples should be randomly collected

from throughout the field to maximize the probability of detection (for an 

example, see Figure 5-1).
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 25

Figure 5-1. Stratified random sampling demonstrating uniform quadrants and 

sample sites.

The following symptoms can typically be found on hosts infected with CGMMV:

• Cucumber

o Foliage: Green mottling on young leaves, collapsed plants;

o Fruit: Green mottling on fruit surfaces;

• Watermelon

o Foliage: Leaf mottling and mosaic symptoms in young plants,

brown necrotic lesions on stems and peduncles, foliage bleached 

and wilted, dead runners or whole plants; 

o Fruit: Malformed, internal flesh spongy or rotten with a yellow or 

dirty red discoloration; 

• Melon

o Foliage: Mottle and mosaic symptoms on young leaves,mature 

leaves may be asymptomatic;

o Fruit: Malformed, mottled, or with surface netting, some may be 

asymptomatic;

• Pumpkin, squash, and zucchini
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 26

o Foliage: Usually asymptomatic, although leaf mottling and mosaic 

may occur;

o Fruit: Pumpkin fruits are asymptomatic, squash and zucchini fruits 

are sometimes externally symptomless but internally discolored 

and necrotic.

Field Sample Collection

Survey task forces should include an experienced survey specialist or plant 

pathologist familiar with CGMMV and the symptoms it causes. 

2. Surveyors visiting sites to obtain samples should collect the following 

information:

• Date of collection or observations

• Collector’s name

• Grower’s field identification numbers (grower can provide this 

information)

• Full name of business, institution, or agency

• Full mailing address, including country

• Type of property (commercial nursery, natural field, orchard, vineyard, 

or residence)

• GPS coordinates of the host plant and property 

• Host plant species and specific crop plant variety, if applicable

• Presence or absence of the pest

• Observations of signs and symptoms

• Percentage of the field displaying disease symptoms

• General conditions or any other relevant information

2. Samples to collect:

• Foliar samples: A sample consists of five symptomatic leaflets from a 

single plant. Use a pruner to remove and collect the leaflets. Place all 

leaflets into a single re-sealable plastic bag, label the bag as described 

above, and then place the sample bag into a second, re-sealable plastic 

bag. Multiple samples from the same field or greenhouse may be 

placed into the second bag. The pruner and your gloves must be 

sanitized with a disinfectant between each plant. Preferentially 

collect foliar samples. 

• Fruit samples: Collect these samples only if the foliage has already 

dried down or died. To examine fruit, cut the fruit open with a knife 

or similar instrument. If symptoms are observed, cut a disk from the 

symptomatic fruit, place it into a single, re-sealable plastic bag, label 

the bag as described above, and then place into a second, re-sealable 
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 27

plastic bag. Multiple samples from the same field or greenhouse may 

be placed into the second bag. The knife and your gloves must be 

sanitized with a disinfectant between each plant. 

Seed Sample Collection

The survey task force should include a certified seed sampler or experienced 

survey specialist. Seed samples should be collected from: 1) the original seed 

lot(s) sown in the CGMMV-infested field or greenhouse (if any seed remains),

and, 2) seed lots that were harvested from seed production fields or greenhouses

within the delimitation area. 

Surveyors visiting sites to place holds or obtain samples should collect the 

following information for each seed sample:

♦ Date of collection or observations

♦ Collector’s name

♦ Seed lot number

♦ Seed lot volume

♦ Full name of business, institution, or agency

♦ Full mailing address, including country

♦ Origin(s) of seed lot(s), including physical location(s), field- or nurserygrown, and country of origin

♦ Host plant species and specific crop plant variety, if applicable

♦ General conditions or any other relevant information

CGMMV-infected seeds are rarely symptomatic. Take the following actions to 

collect a representative sample from the seed lot: 

1. Using a disposable cup, such as a 3- or 5-oz paper Dixie cup), obtain a sample 

of the seed lot. Five to 40 subsamples should be collected from each seed lot 

(Table 5-1)(Kruse et al., 2004).

a. For large seed lots, collect the required volume for that host (Table 5-

1).

b. For small seed lots from which only a few seeds are available, collect 

20 percent of the seed lot (Dombrovsky et al., 2017).

2. Combine the subsamples into a single, labeled plastic bag. Include the 

disposable cup in the sample bag. Do not re-use the disposable cup.

3. Record the required information on the sample bag.

4. Double bag the samples and deliver them within 48-hr to a diagnostic 

laboratory.
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Table 5-3 Required number of seed subsamples to collect, based on post-harvest seed 

lot size, from seed production fields in the delimitation area (modified from Kruse et al., 

2004). 

Lot size (kg) Number of subsamples to collect

1 to 100 Three (3)

101-200 Six (6)

201-300 Nine (9)

301-400 Twelve (12)

401-500 Twelve (12)

501-600 Twelve (12)

601-700 Fourteen (14)

701-800 Sixteen (16)

801-1,500 Sixteen (16)

1,501-3,000 Sixteen (16)

3,001-5,900 Twenty (20)

>5,900 Thirty (30)

Table 5-2 Required seed sample sizes for hosts of Cucumber green mottle mosaic 

virus (7 CFR § 201.46, 2000).

Host Seeds per gram Required sample size 

Cucumber 40 100 grams (4 ounces = 0.5 cups)

West India gherkin 153 27 grams (1 ounce = < 0.25 cups)

Melon 45 89 grams (3 ounces = 0.33 cups)

Pumpkin 5 800 grams (28 ounces = 3.25 cups)

Squash 14 286 grams (10 ounces = 1.25 cups )

Watermelon 11 364 grams (13 ounces = 1.67 cups)
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 29

6. Control Options

Overview

The complex epidemiology of this pathogen, including multiple modes of 

transmission and persistence in the soil, along with a lack of chemical treatment 

options for plants, fields, and greenhouses, makes eradication and control 

difficult. 

PPQ decision-makers may use this information after a detection to eradicate or 

suppress CGMMV. The efficacy and feasibility of eradication will depend on the 

pest situation at the time of detection. 

Current Practices in Place in the United States

Several companies that import cucurbit seed from foreign origins participate in 

the (National Seed Health Accreditation Pilot Program). Signatories to this 

program agree to test seed for CGMMV prior to importation and self-report 

positive detections to the National Seed Health System/PPQ. Positive seed lots 

are then destroyed prior to planting.

Eradication Options

Host Removal

All infected plant material must be removed and properly disposed of using 

APHIS-approved disposal methods. Cut, rake and burn all plant material in 

infected fields. If burning is not an option, disking of fields is an acceptable 

alternative to facilitate microbial decomposition of plant material. Disc fallow 

would be preferable to chemical fallow to speed breakdown of crop residues by 

microbial action. Alternatively, personnel may remove infected material and

transport it to a landfill (load should be fully enclosed) for deep burial. Equipment 

must be pressure washed with detergent after use following the sanitation 

Chapter

6
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 30

guidelines below:

Follow a two-step process for field or farm equipment: 

1. Equipment must be power washed or steam cleaned to remove all soil and 

debris before it leaves infested areas; AND; 

2. All surfaces must be disinfected. Surfaces must be exposed to the disinfectant for 

at least 15-minutes using one of the following chemistries:

 Sodium hypochlorite (Bleach): Active ingredient (AI): 6%; Dose: 5000 

ppm. pH of the solution must be between pH 4 and 7 for efficacy. Add the 

same amount of acetic acid (white vinegar) as the sodium hypochlorite. 

Follow Label;

 Potassium peroxymonosulfate + Sodium chloride: EPA reg. no. 71654-6; 

A.I.; 21.4 + 1.5%; Equivalent to 9.75% available chlorine; Dose: 2%

(wt./vol.) or Powder, 2.7 oz./gal. water; Tablet, 16 tablets/gal. water; Sachets, 

2 sachets/ gal. water; Follow Label;

 Hydrogen dioxide + peroxyacetic acid: EPA reg. no. 70299-12; A.I.; 27.1 

+ 2 %; Dose: 1:50 or 2.5 fl. oz./gal; Follow Label.

To prevent infection of new host material, infested field(s) should remain free of 

CGMMV hosts for at least two (2) years. During this time, aggressive weed 

control must be practiced to prevent volunteer cucurbit and broadleaf weed host 

growth, and sanitation measures must be taken for equipment or personnel 

entering the fields to reduce the likelihood of spreading CGMMV. Alternatively, 

infested fields may be planted with non-hosts or remain fallow for two (2) years, 

again imposing vigilant control of volunteer cucurbit plants and susceptible weed 

hosts. 

Fields should be subject to testing for the presence of CGMMV before they are 

returned to cucurbit production. This can be accomplished during the non-host 

crop or fallow period by using sentinel plants (susceptible hosts) distributed 

throughout the fields. 

Chemical Control

At this time, no chemical controls are available to treat CGMMV infected plants 

in fields or greenhouses.
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 31

Other Options

Seed treatment

Planting seed that has tested CGMMV-free is the best way to prevent the 

virus’s introduction into new areas (Dombrovsky et al., 2017). CGMMV is 

present on the surface of and within infected seeds (Reingold et al., 2015). 

The only way to completely eliminate CGMMV from infected seed is to 

destroy the seed. 

Should CGMMV become established in an area, the following treatments may

limit further spread via seed. However, none of them will completely 

eradicate CGMMV from infested seed:

• Heat treatment- Heating dried bottle gourd seeds to 72°C for 72-

hours eliminated CGMMV contamination (Kim, 2000; Kim et al., 

2003). The same treatment reduced, but did not eliminate, CGMMV 

from contaminated melon and cucumber seeds (Reingold et al., 2015). 

Heat treatment is most efficient with fresh seeds (Macias, 2000); 

• Chemical treatment- Treating infected cucumber and melon seeds for 

30-minutes with 10 percent trisodium phosphate (TSP) reduced, but 

did not eliminate CGMMV contamination (Reingold et al., 2015). The 

following chemicals may be used to disinfect seed surfaces: 0.5-1.0

percent hydrochloric acid, 0.3-0.5 percent sodium hypochlorite, and 10

percent sodium phosphate (Macias, 2000);

• Combination treatments- Soaking seeds in 10% TSP for 30-minutes 

and then heating the seeds to 72°C for 72-hours reduced CGMMV 

contamination more than either treatment alone (Reingold et al., 2015).

Alternative Control Techniques

Preventative Measures

Because CGMMV is a seedborne pathogen, management should begin with the seed. 

Early detection and identification are critical to prevent introduction of CGMMV.

• Use seed and transplants from reputable sources. Make sure that seed 

is tested and declared free of CGMMV. Do not use untested seed 

(Dombrovsky et al., 2017; Park et al., 2005). Inspect all transplants

for symptoms before planting.

• For transplant production, monitor seedlings regularly and test any 

suspected to be infected with CGMMV. If the virus is detected, 
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 32

destroy all plants within three to five feet of the symptomatic 

seedlings (ASTA, 2018) to prevent further spread of the virus. 

• During grafting operations, follow strict sanitation practices for all 

work surfaces and tools (Dombrovsky et al., 2017). The most 

effective disinfectants include nonfat dried milk (NFDM, 20 percent 

weight/volume plus 0.1 percent Tween 20), potassium 

peroxymonosulfate and sodium chloride (2 percent solution), 

benzalkonium chloride (50 percent solution), and sodium 

hypochlorite (0.6 percent solution) (Dombrovsky et al., 2017; Falk et 

al., 2016).

• Institute hygiene worker training programs that include sanitation of 

boots, clothing, hands, and tools (Dombrovsky et al., 2017). 

Measures for reducing spread

• Keep records of seed and transplant sources so they can be traced if 

needed (Falk et al., 2016).

• Disinfect all agricultural machinery and equipment before moving 

between fields and farms (Dombrovsky et al., 2017).

• To prevent contamination from visitors and their vehicles, limit 

access to a secure place near the entrance to the farm; this site should 

have cleaning and disinfection facilities (Dombrovsky et al., 2017).

• Eliminate potential CGMMV reservoirs such as volunteer plants and 

alternate host weeds, particularly any weeds in the cucurbit family 

(Dombrovsky et al., 2017). 

• Minimize crop handling and other procedures that may wound the 

plants, especially early in the growing season, as the most severe 

yield losses result from early infections (Dombrovsky et al., 2017).

• Institute hygiene and worker training programs that include 

sanitation of boots, clothing, hands, and tools in production 

operations (Reingold et al., 2016b).

• Scout plants in the field for symptoms of CGMMV infection; take 

tissue samples and have diagnostic testing done on suspect plants. 

Train field workers and fruit pickers to report any unusual-looking 

plants or fruit (ASTA, 2018; Dombrovsky et al., 2017; Falk et al., 

2016).

• Follow a crop rotation strategy with two to three years between 

cucurbitaceous crops (Park et al., 2010; Falk et al., 2016; 

Dombrovsky et al., 2017).
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 33

Biological Control

At this time, no biological control options are available for CGMMV. 

Host Resistance

As a long-term strategy for managing CGMMV, breeders are trying to identify 

resistance genes in cucurbit cultivars. Researchers in Israel and elsewhere have 

identified resistance genes in wild and cultivated muskmelons (Cucumis 

myriocarpus, C. africanus, C. figarei, C. meeusii, C. zeyheri, C. ficifolius, C. melo

var. momordica, C. melo ‘Kachri’ and ‘Chang Bougi’)(Rajamony et al., 1987; 

Sugiyama et al., 2006). Only C. figarei was immune to infection, while the others 

were asymptomatic carriers of CGMMV (Rajamony et al., 1987; Sugiyama et al., 

2006). However, no commercial cultivars have been developed yet.
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 34

7. Research Needs

New technology, research or assessment is needed to:

♦ Develop an assay that will differentiate between deactivated CGMMV and 

infectious CGMMV;

♦ Determine how CGMMV is transmitted from infested seed to seedlings;

♦ Identify new disease management options for CGMMV, including 

identifying weed hosts in the United States.

Chapter

7
Last update 12202018 Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus 35

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9. Authors and Reviewers

Authors

Nancy K. Osterbauer, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Plant Epidemiology and Risk 

Analysis Laboratory, USDA APHIS PPQ Science & Technology, Raleigh, NC

Donald Seaver, Staff Scientist, USDA APHIS PPQ Science & Technology, 

Raleigh, NC

Editor

Kimberly Israel, NCSU - USDA Cooperator, North Carolina State University 

Department of Plant Pathology, Raleigh, NC

Reviewers

Tara Holtz, Assistant Director, Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory, 

USDA APHIS PPQ Science & Technology, Raleigh, NC

Michael N. Gardner, Ph.D., Risk Analyst, Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis 

Laboratory, USDA APHIS PPQ Science & Technology, Raleigh, NC

Cover Image

T. Pittman, University of California-Davis

CGMMV