Viruses Several viruses can infect rhubarb including Arabis Mosaic Virus, Cherry Leafroll Virus, Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Strawberry Latent Ringspot Virus, and Turnip Mosaic Virus. Reports are that Turnip Mosaic Virus is the one most common in British Columbia. Mosaic symptoms as described below have been observed. Many of these viruses can be found on weed hosts, and some are transmitted by nematodes. Pale yellowish or dead spots or rings on leaves, usually with pale green mottle.
Young leaves show well-defined to severe light and dark green mosaic mottle.
Leaves often are crinkled and distorted. Symptoms may disappear in hot weather. Assay soil for nematode vectors before planting. Plant virus-free stock. Dig up and destroy symptomatic plants.