Serological diagnosis and host range studies of important viral diseases of a few cucurbitaceous crops in Maharashtra,India

Around 39 well characterised viruses affect cucurbits crops in developing countries and their viral diversity may be the consequence for genetic and ecological diversity of their hosts. Indeed, cucurbits are grown in variety of climatic, environmental and agricultural conditions, and this may provide more or less favourable conditions for the specific viruses or their hosts. The presence of various viral diseases caused by different viruses in Maharashtra was studied from the infected samples collected from cucurbits and melons during the survey conducted in 2009–2010 in different locations. The virus isolates collected from various cucurbitaceous crops were established and their host ranges were studied by sap transmission. The study revealed Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus infections predominately found in Nashik region, and Watermelon bud necrosis virus (WBNV), CMV, ZYMV, WMV and Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) infections in Aurangabad and Paithan regions. In Sangamner region, the crop was mostly affected by WBNV, ZYMV and WSMoV, and CMV was found only in Sillod region. The protocols for performing sap transmission tests in assay hosts were standardised for ZYMV, CMV and WBNV. Using direct antigen-coating enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, of all the plant parts, young leaves were found to have high concentration of virus and suitable for virus detection in screening programmes. CMV and ZYMV was found to have high concentration of virus and suitable for virus detection in screening programmes.