Chemical control is not economically feasible. Crop rotation with nonhost species may aid in reducing populations in the field. However, they are susceptible to the northern and peanut root-knot nematode. Viruses Viruses infect many species of forage legumes. They damage forage legumes in several ways.
Viruses decrease yields by reducing foliar growth persistence of stands and vigor of plants.
Virus infection may increase susceptibility to root rotting pathogens and cause the plant to produce fewer and less efficient root nodules. Virus diseases are controlled by the use of resistant varieties. In this section common viruses of forage legumes will be briefly discussed. The WCMV occurs primarily in white clover but is also common in red clover. The WCMV has also been found in subterranean clover.