ARS | Publication request: Development and evaluation of quanitative early monitoring techniques for Squash vein yellowing virus, the cause of watermelon vine decline

Submitted to: Vineline Magazine
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2012
Publication Date: April 15, 2012
Citation: Adkins, S.T., Webster, C.G., Kousik, C.S. 2012. Development and evaluation of quanitative early monitoring techniques for Squash vein yellowing virus, the cause of watermelon vine decline. Vineline Magazine. Spring:38.

Interpretive Summary: Watermelon vine decline caused by whitefly-transmitted Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) is an emerging disease that has caused severe losses to Florida watermelon growers in recent years. Although the late stage symptoms of watermelon vine decline are basically diagnostic for the presence of SqVYV, early symptoms are not as obvious and may be confused with other causes including the recently introduced whitefly-transmitted Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus and Cucurbit leaf crumple virus. To address this research need, we have developed two reliable diagnostic tests for early monitoring of SqVYV.

Technical Abstract: Watermelon vine decline caused by whitefly-transmitted Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) is an emerging disease that has caused severe losses to Florida watermelon growers in recent years. Although the late stage symptoms of watermelon vine decline are basically diagnostic for the presence of SqVYV, early symptoms are not as obvious and may be confused with other causes including the recently introduced whitefly-transmitted Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus and Cucurbit leaf crumple virus. To address this research need, we have developed two reliable diagnostic tests for early monitoring of SqVYV.