Bidens mottle virus (BiMoV) is a pathogenic plant virus in the plant virus family Potyviridae. BiMoV is a flexuous filamentous particle, 720 nm long, and belongs to the Potyviridae genus Potyvirus. Like other viruses in this genus, Bidens mottle virus is transmitted both mechanically by sap and by aphids in a stylet-borne fashion. BiMoV was first described in 1968 by Steve Christie, John Edwardson, and Bill Zettler from the Plant Pathology and Agronomy Departments at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. This virus was originally isolated from a mottled plant of the common weed Bidens pilosa collected in Gainesville – hence the name Bidens mottle virus. At the same time it was also found in pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum). B. pilosa can be doubly infected with BiMoV and a second virus called Sonchus yellow net virus (SYNV). SYNV is asymptomatic in B. pilosa but it enhances the symptoms of BiMoV in this plant when both viruses are present.) Host range Since its discovery and first characterization, BiMoV has been found to infect many other host plants. They include the agricultural crops lettuce, escarole, endive, and faba bean (Vicia faba), the forage crop blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius), and many ornamental and bedding plants. It has also been found in five common weeds including the Mexican pricklepoppy (Argemone mexicana) and the invasive weed, Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum). In 2008, it was reported to infect bishop's weed (Ammi majus), an umbelliferous plant grown in Florida for the cut flower trade. Disease symptoms As with all plant viruses, the symptoms exhibited on an infected plant depend on the plant species. Symptoms of BiMoV in various hosts have been described as mild to severe mottling, slight to severe leaf distortion, vein clearing, and stunting. It can cause flower break symptoms and flower abortion in some hosts and at least one host has been found that shows no visible symptoms. Symptoms of Bidens mottle virus on Lark Daisy (Centratherum punctatum). Symptoms of Bidens mottle virus in Faba bean (Vicia faba). Disease diagnosis Correct diagnosis of any plant disease requires some expertise. Plants suspected of a viral infection should be sent to a plant disease diagnostic laboratory. One of the specific tests that a plant diagnostic laboratory might perform is an ELISA or serological test where the plant sap is tested against virus specific antiserum made to the capsid protein of the virus. A PCR test can