Occurrence of melon yellowing-associated virus (MYaV) in melon producing areas of Brazilian Northeast.

LIMA, M. F.; NAGATA, T.; NEVES, F. M.; INOUE NAGATA, A. K.; MOITA, A. C.; SOUSA, C.; DELLA VECCHIA, M.; RANGEL, M. G.; DIAS, R. de C. S.; DUTRA, L. D.; ÁVILA, A. C. de

Occurrence of melon yellowing-associated virus (MYaV) in melon producing areas of Brazilian Northeast.

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Descripción

The Brazilian Northeast is the main melon-producing region oi the country, being responsible for more than 90% oi the total national production. However, a new disease known as "yellowing oi melon plants", has been reported to cause damage on this crop since 1999. The presence oi a new virai agent, the Melon yellowing-associated virus (MYaV), is most likely associated with symptom development. The aim oi this study was to eva lua te the occurrence oi the MYaV in melon plants exhibiting suspicious symptoms of the disease in major melon growing fields oi Northeast. ln November 2007, 374 samples were collected in the States oi Rio Grande do Norte (RN; 54) and Ceará (CE; 37) and in the "Submédio São Francisco" (283), in Bahia (BA) and Pernambuco (PE) States. Sample evaluation was pertormed by DASElisa using polyclonal antibodies developed at the Embrapa Hortaliças for MYaV detection. Extracts prepared Irem leaves and stems of symptomatic plants were used as antigen. The MYaV was detected in 58.0% oi the samptes. Virus concentration was higher in stems than in leaves. The incidence of MYaV was higherin samples collected Irem RN (96.3%) and CE (75.7%) than in those Irem the "Submédio São Francisco" (PE and BA: 48.4%). These data confirmed the efficiency of the antibodies for MYaV detection and the widespread occurrence oi the virus in melon fields oi the main melon-producing areas of Brazil. Apoio Financeiro: CNPq.
Suplemento. Edição dos Resumos do 42 Congresso Brasileiro de Fitopatologia, Rio de Janeiro, ago. 2009. Nome correto do pesquisador é Antonio Williams Moita - MOITA, A. W.