Q How do I know if my sweet peas have virus?

A Sweet pea plants with virus have several symptoms: leaves become mottled; growth becomes stunted; and flowers are speckled with another colour.

Caption: Typical symptoms of virus on sweet peas

Q How do sweet peas get virus?

A The virus is spread by infected sap. This is usually spread by aphids feeding plant to plant, although it can also be spread on cutting tools so clean them between plants.

Q What can I do if my plants have virus?

A Unfortunately once a plant has virus it cannot be cured. The best advice is to remove it before the infected sap can be spread to surrounding plants. Controlling aphids will help to avoid virus problems in the future.