Mixed Infection of Strawberry Mottle Virus and Strawberry Mild Yellow Edge Virus in the Southeastern United States

More than 30 viruses and phytoplasmas are known to affect the genus Fragaria. Multiple viruses infecting strawberries (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) can severely affect plant productivity and reduce fruit quality. Complexes of viruses or mixed virus infections in strawberries in an annual production system were not identified in the southeastern United States prior to fall 2012. Within four to six weeks of transplanting strawberries in the fall of 2012 for annual plasticulture production, many growers in Virginia noticed some loss of crop stand and plants that exhibited yellowing along the leaf margins of several younger leaves (as seen in figs. 1 and 2). In some plants, these symptoms progressed to marginal necrosis.