Biophysical Properties of the Watermelon Mosaic Virus-1 Causing Mosaic in Watermelon

Abstract

Watermelon mosaic viruse-1 (WMV) is synonymous of papaya ring spot virus strain W. It is considered to be economically important filamentous virus of Indian sub-continent among the top ten viruses of watermelon .It causes severe mosaic mottling, blistering and malformation of leaves of watermelon. Watermelon mosaic virus-1 is a member of potyviridae. The virus contains ribonucleic acid (RNA) with filamentous particles measuring 760-800 x 12 nm size. The Thermal Inactivation Point of WMV-1 is 50-55⁰C, Dilution End Point between 10^-3 to 10^-4 and longevity 24 hrs at room temperature only and remove the at 8 days  at 10-12°C.Watermelon mosaic viruse-1 was transmitted through sap and insect vectors in a non persistent manner. Three species of aphids (Aphis craccivora, Myzus persicae  and Aphis gossypii ) have been found to transmit this virus. Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae could transmit all the isolates of WMV-1 and A. gassypii was the most efficient vector. It was not transmitted through seeds and soil.

Key words: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.), Watermelon mosaic virus-1 TIP, DEP and LIV

N.K. Sharma. Biophysical Properties of the Watermelon Mosaic Virus-1 Causing Mosaic in Watermelon. J Phytol 2/9 (2010) 21-24.