In recent years, the number of whitefly-transmitted viruses in cucurbit
fields, home to crops like cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins, melons and
watermelons, has increased to almost epidemic proportions in Florida.
Researchers led by plant pathologists Scott Adkins and Bill Turechek at the ARS Subtropical Plant Pathology Research Unit in Fort Pierce, Fla., are dealing
with a "triple threat" to cucurbits: three major viruses, all
transmitted by silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. The host range is
similar-mostly cucurbits-but the symptoms differ. And the researchers
have discovered a new host for the whiteflies: green beans.
In January 2008, Adkins and Turechek released a report that revealed that
the Cucurbit Leaf Crumple Virus (CuLCrV ) has been detected in green beans in
southwest Florida, the first report of CuLCrV infecting any host other than
cucurbits in Florida. Symptoms on green bean plants included leaf deformation,
especially of younger leaves, and a mild or chlorotic mosaic, a blotching of
the plant`s skin.
The discovery of CuLCrV on green bean plants in Hendry County in southwest
Florida in mid-December 2007 suggests that CuLCrV may be more widely
distributed than previously known in Florida, and that green beans, and
potentially other legumes, may become an important reservoir host of CuLCrV in
the state. Previous reports of CuLCrV affecting non-cucurbit plants include
beans and tobacco in the late 1990s in California, Arizona, Texas and Mexico.
Another of the `triple threats` is Squash Vein Yellowing Virus (SqVYV),
whose hosts include cucurbits, especially squash and watermelon. SqVYV causes
death in young watermelon plants, death of vines of older plants and other
problems. Trials of SqVYV resistance are currently being conducted by grafting
watermelon germplasm onto gourd rootstock and evaluating the watermelon scions
for symptoms.
The third of the threats is Cucurbit Yellow Stunting Disorder Virus (CYSDV),
which was first seen in Florida in 2007 and infects melons, cucumbers, gourds
and squash, with symptoms including yellowing of the leaf veins and leaves.
The recommendations the ARS researchers made for controlling these viruses
include selecting the most vigorous and well-adapted varieties; using whitefly-
and pathogen-free transplants; using reflective mulches that repel aphids; and
maintaining a host-free period between spring and fall crops.
Copyright 2008 ARS
