Note: There is no effective treatment for FMV transmitted by mechanical inoculation not involving a vector.

Viral-contaminated cutting tools used in grafting and pruning are likely the most common means of FMV transmission. Unfortunately, it is how this particular virus spreads rapidly and covertly in plumerias, especially in Thailand

Nowadays, symptoms are commonly seen in plumerias which are sold in the markets everywhere. Some virused plumerias may look normal, but the symptoms generally appear in a later stage. Thus it is important to address this issue to increase growers’ awareness, to keep the virus under control, and to save all great plumeria cultivars from being infected. 

Follow these Practices to prevent the spread of FMV

1. In an attempt to keep the whole plumeria collection virus-free, newly acquired plumerias should be isolated over a period of time to observe or check (test) for the presence of virus.

2.  All FMV-infected plants should be separated from the rest of collection and/or destroyed.

3.  Using a sterilized cutting tool is also the key to preventing the spread of the FMV, which may be present in the plumeria trees growing in the garden, to the rest of the collection.

4.  My routine practice of pruning plumerias in the garden is to carry as many sterilized knives as possible with me and use only one knife per plumeria plant. They are then sterilized in boiling water for further use.

5. Plumerias with the virus should not be allowed to be registered as a new cultivar based upon its appearance of the flowers with the color break. It is just a diseased plant, not an innovative one.