First report of Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder crinivirus and Cucumber vein yellowing ipomovirus in Cyprus
In Cyprus, a survey was done in 2000/2002 to determine the identity and prevalence of viruses of cucurbit crops. Cucurbits are major vegetable crops in Cyprus and are produced mainly in the coastal regions of Famagusta, Larnaca, Limmasol and Paphos districts. Cucurbits are mainly cultivated in open fields, but cucumbers are usually grown under plastic greenhouses. A total of 2993 samples of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), courgette (Cucurbita pepo), melon (C. melo) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) were collected from the major cucurbit-growing regions. Samples were tested by serological or molecular methods for the following viruses:
Beet pseudo-yellows crinivirus (BPYV),
Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV),
Cucumber vein yellowing ipomovirus (CVYV – EPPO Action List),
Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows polerovirus (CABYV),
Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder crinivirus (CYSDV – EPPO Action List),
Papaya ringspot potyvirus type W (PRSV-W),
Squash mosaic comovirus (SqMV),
Watermelon mosaic potyvirus (WMV),
Zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus (ZYMV)
ZYMV was the most prevalent virus with an overall incidence of 45 %. PRSV-W, CABYV and WMV were detected in 20.8%, 20.8% and 7.8% of the samples tested, respectively. CMV and SqMV were not detected during this survey. CYSDV was detected in 88% of the tested cucumber samples which had been collected from protected crops all over the country. It is noted that CYSDV was also found in 12 samples of melon grown in the field. The presence of CYSDV was associated with high populations of its vector Bemisia tabaci. CVYV was detected in protected crops of cucumbers but with a low incidence (9.5%). The EPPO Secretariat had previously no data on the occurrence of CYSDV and CVYV in Cyprus.
The situation of Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder crinivirus in Cyprus can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2000, widespread in protected crops of cucumbers.
The situation of Cucumber vein yellowing ipomovirus in Cyprus can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2000 with a low incidence.
Sources
Papayiannis LC, Ioannou N, Boubourakas IN, Dovas CI, Katis NI, Falk BW (2005) Incidence of viruses infecting cucurbits in Cyprus. Journal of Phytopathology 153(9), 530-535.