by: Curtis Swift, Ph.D.
Swift Horticultural Enterprises, LLC., dba High Altitude Lavender
Curtis.Swift@alumni.colostate.edu
Introduction
AMV was first described by Weimer in California in 1931 as a mosaic virus of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Since viruses are named for the first plant in which they are identified, the virus was named alfalfa mosaic virus (Hall, 1991). Other names for this virus include lucerne mosaic virus and potato calico virus.
Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is a worldwide distributed phytopathogen (McDonald and Suzuki, 1983). With 600 plant species in 70 families playing host to this virus it is most likely weed and crop plants in the vicinity of your lavender field harbor this virus and could be spread to or have already infected some of your lavender plants. Lowered plant vigor of lavender due to infection will reduce the number, size, and yield of flowers and reduce oil production (McGimpsey and Porter, 1999). Research of alfalfa revealed infections approaching 100% in older stands resulting in yield loss and winterkill (Crill et al., 1971).
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Alfalafa Mosaic Virus (PDF)