Molecular Characterization of Cucumber Mosaic Virus Strains Infecting Gerbera Cultivars and Its Disease Management

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is cultivated all over the world and is widely popular as an ornamental plant. It is grown in beds or pots and used as cut flower, in making bouquets, and for decoration in ceremonial functions. It has been commercially cultivated by a large number of growers in India as a primary source of income. The gerbera cultivation area in India is increasing day by day due to its increasing uses and market demands. Gerbera production has been hampered by numerous viruses that affect its flower quality and quantity. Among them, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) causes considerable loss in gerbera industry. In this chapter, we describe about detection methods, molecular characterization of CMV strains infecting gerbera, and their management strategies for its quality production.