Influence of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus (Soybean Strain) on Agronomic Performance of Soybeans 1

Host reaction to a soybean [ (L.) Merrill] strain of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV-S) was studied at Experiment, Georgia, in 1968 and 1969. Symptoms in soybean cultivar ‘Davis’ were leaf mottling with light and dark green areas, reduced plant height and vigor, slightly crinkled leaves, and a tendency for leaves to be abnormally upright. Yields from inoculated plants were reduced 20 and 31% in 1968 and 1969, respectively. Seed quality was reduced in 1968 and seed weight in 1969. Inoculation of 18 resistant cultivars produced only local necrotic lesions, whereas seven susceptible cultivars exhibited systematic mottling. One cultivar exhibited veinal necrosis.