Occurrence, distribution and relative incidence of mosaic viruses infecting field--grown squash in Tehran province, Iran

Squash (Cucurbita pepo) belongs to Cucurbitaceae family. Every year Cucurbitaceae are planted world wide. They are one of the most important economic crops. Cucurbitaceae are threatened by viruses. Many viruses damage the plants of this family. Since nine viruses have been reported on squash from Iran. In this survey, during 2002--2003, to determine the distribution of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), 466 samples were collected from squash field in Tehran province. Infected plants showing symptoms such as: mosaic, yellowing, deformation, shoestring of leaves and fruit deformation and yield reduction. Distribution of CMV, ZYMV and WMV were determined by DAS-ELISA. Thepercentage of ZYMV, WMV and CMV were 35.6, 26.1 and 25.1% respectively. Triple infection (CMV+ZYMV+WMV) were found in 6.4% of samples. ZYMV were found the most frequently the viruses. This is the first report of WMV on squash in Tehran province.