Occurrence of Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus infection on melons in Sistan region

Melon and watermelon are most important cucurbit crops in Sistan region and viral diseasesof cucurbit crops cause important economic losses in Sistan region. During summers of 2009,virus-like symptoms were noticed on cucurbit crops (watermelons and melons) grown in theSistan region of Iran. The symptoms were widespread and included initial chlorotic lesionsfollowed by yellowing of whole leaves and thickening of older leaves, suggesting thepresence of Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus. A survey was performed to investigate ayellowing viral disease in the major cucurbit-growing areas of Sistan region. Leaf samplesshowing typical symptoms (yellowing, thickening) were collected from melon plants ofseveral cucurbit-growing areas of Sistan region. All samples, were screened for the presenceof CABYV by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DASELISA).In order to confirm CABYV identification, total RNA extracts were obtained fromsamples that were positive using DAS-ELISA and reverse transcription-polymerase chainreactions (RT-PCR) were carried out. RT-PCR experiments yielded an expected 479-bpproduct similar to the fragment amplified with extracts from the reference isolate, RT-PCR.All samples were infected with Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV). This is the first report of CABYV existence in Sistan region.

Keywords:

Cucumis melo , Citrullus lanatus , Iran , Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus