Articles
VIRUS AND VIROID DISEASES OF CUCURBITS
Article number
88_3
Pages
33 – 82
Language
Abstract
This review deals with diseases caused by viruses and viroids that have been found naturally infecting cultivated and wild cucurbits, stressing the phytopathological problems connected with pathogenesis, vectors, epidemiology, ecology, prevention, sources of resistance, tolerance and quarantine aspects.
The main properties of the causative agents are tabulated according to their taxonomic position; when known, data on natural host plants, vectors, identification methods, diagnostic plants, sources of infection and geographical distribution are given.
The geographical distribution and the ecology of some of the diseases are discussed from the viewpoint of preventing their further spread in countries where they are not yet present.
Future work is necessary in order to clarify the taxonomic position of cucumber necrosis, muskmelon necrotic spot and watermelon mosaic viruses and to complete the identification of about 6 other cucurbit viruses.
Authors
O. Lovisolo
Keywords