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Soybean Viruses - Symptoms

Different viruses can cause similar symptoms, and infection by more than one virus is common. Most virus-infected plants have fewer pods and are stunted to some degree. Pods may be flatter and smaller.

Leaves can show a mosaic of light and dark areas. Leaf margins may curl downward. Foliar symptoms of virus infection will be most apparent during times of rapid growth and cooler weather. Sometimes symptoms resemble injury from herbicide drift. 

Mottling and mosaic leaf symptoms

Viruses associated with mosaic symptoms:
Soybean Mosaic virus (SMV)
Bean Pod Mottle virus (BPMV)
Alfalfa Mosaic virus (AMV)
Tobacco Streak virus (TSV))
Tobacco Ringspot virus (TRSV)

Bumpy, rugose (rough) leaves

Viruses associated with rugose leaves:
Soybean Mosaic virus (SMV)
Bean Pod Mottle virus (BPMV)
Tobacco Streak virus (TSV))
Tobacco Ringspot virus (TRSV

This photo also shows some leaf mosaic symptoms
(irregular patterns of light and dark green)

 

Green stem - leaf and petiole retention past maturity

Viruses associated with green stem:
Soybean Mosaic virus (SMV)
Bean Pod Mottle virus (BPMV)

Seed coat mottling, bleeding hilum, discoloration of soybean seed

Viruses associated with discolored seed:
Soybean Mosaic virus (SMV)
Bean Pod Mottle virus (BPMV)
Tobacco Streak virus (TSV)