Damage:
Like other viruses, corn viruses interfere with genetic signaling within the plant. Leaves that are distorted by the virus cannot function normally, so plants stop gaining size and die during stressful weather.
Preventing Problems:
Maize White Line Mosaic Virus persists from year to years in damp soil, so always plant sweet corn in well-drained soil, and avoid low, wet locations. Many corn varieties are resistant to common viruses; resistant varieties may show slight symptoms, and then outgrow the problem. Measures that reduce aphid and leafhopper populations will cut the risk of this and other viral diseases in the garden. Grow plenty of nectar-producing flowers to attract aphid predators including ladybeetles, lacewings and hover flies.
Managing Outbreaks:
Infected plants will not make a good crop. Pull them up, cut them into pieces, and compost them in an active compost pile.