Description
Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) has a long flexuous rod particle, which contains the RNA genome. The virus has a wide host range and naturally infects different varieties in Phaseolus species worldwide.
BCMV causes common mosaic and necrosis (black root) in Phaseolus vulgaris. The type of symptom produced is determined by the strain of BCMV, temperature and the host genotype. Symptoms associated with common mosaic include leaf rolling or blistering, light and dark-green patches on the leaf (green mosaic), chlorotic vein banding, yellow mosaic and growth reduction. Mottling and malformation of the primary leaves is an indication that the primary infection occurred through seed (Galvez, 1980). Cultivars which develop common mosaic may have distinct chlorotic or necrotic local lesions which are not associated with the vascular system