ABSTRACT
The cucumovirus group was organized by the ICTV in 1971. The group name is derived from the type member's name cucumber mosaic virus. Cucumoviruses are transmitted by aphids in a nonpersistent manner and through seed of species in several families. Cucumovirus properties have been reviewed by Tolin, Kaper and Waterworth, and Francki and co-workers. The cucumoviruses which have been reported in naturally infected legumes are cowpea banding mosaic, cowpea ring spot, cucumber mosaic, peanut stunt, and tomato aspermy viruses. Cowpea banding mosaic virus (CBMV) has not been classified by the ICTV, but it has been suggested as a tentative member of the cucumovirus group. CBMV has been reported in naturally infected cowpeas in India. Cowpea ring spot virus (CRSV) has been classified as a probable member of the cucumovirus group by the ICTV.
