First Report of Cucumber vein yellowing virus in Melon in France

ABSTRACT During the fall of 2003, mild mosaic symptoms were observed in melon (Cucumis melo L.) plants grown in glasshouses near Eyragues (southeastern France) resembling those caused by the Bemisia tabaci transmitted Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV, genus Ipomovirus, family Potyviridae). In addition, large numbers of B. tabaci were observed to be colonizing these crops. The identification of CVYV was established through differential host range reaction, immunosorbent electron microscopy (IEM), and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR experiments. Crude sap from symptomatic leaves was used to inoculate differential host plants. Mild mosaic symptoms were observed on melon, and cucumber developed vein-clearing symptoms typical of CVYV. No symptoms were observed in Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, Nicotiana benthamiana, N. tabacum, and Vigna sinensis. Numerous, slightly flexuous, elongated virus particles were observed in infected plant extracts; these particles were decorated by a polyclonal antiserum ra...