Project Overview

Reports

Commodities

• Vegetables: cucurbits

Target Pests

• Target Pests: viruses of cucurbits

Practices

• Pest Management: education

Problem. During the past 25 years, viruses infecting cucurbit crops, including cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squashes, and watermelons, have emerged in the cucurbit producing areas of the United States at an alarming rate with an average of one introduction every 4 years. Most of these introductions have led to reduced crop yields, particularly for melons and watermelons. Viruses transmitted by whiteflies, including cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV), and squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), were introduced into the United States between 1998 and 2014. These viruses can now be found infecting cucurbit plants in most cucurbit producing areas of the United States and are, with increasing frequency, being found in mixed infections. More recently, the seed-borne virus cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) was detected in the United States in California in 2013. Aggressive containment efforts have limited the spread of this virus. Several additional viruses impact cucurbit production internationally and pose an inherent risk to the cucurbit industry in the United States should they enter on cucurbit plants or seeds or alternate host plants. The introduction of these viruses would not only impact yields but would also create additional challenges for disease management, such as the development of resistant varieties. Knowledge regarding symptomology and epidemiology of these viruses remains limited, and methods of detection/identification are not universally practiced across the industry. Furthermore, limited communication among the various sectors of the cucurbit industry slows the rapid identification of new viruses as well as the implementation of containment measures, possibly leading to virus establishment. Approach. Based on recent discussion sessions, there is great interest and a willingness among members of the various sectors of the cucurbit industry to come together to address the threats that viruses in cucurbits pose to the cucurbit industry in the United States. As a result, the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group (EVCWG), charged with improving communication and virus knowledge across the industry as well as developing strategies to successfully identify and mitigate virus threats to cucurbit production in the United States, is being established (Objective 1). EVCWG will include members from all sectors of the cucurbit industry, including academia, government, and private industry, involved with research, production, Extension/outreach, and regulation and will represent various areas of expertise, geographic locations, and connections within the United States. Since the cucurbit industry in the United States is integrally connected to seed production and trade with international partners, international members will also participate in the working group, as their knowledge and international perspective will contribute to the ability of the working group to identify and develop effective mitigation approaches for viruses that have not yet entered the United States. Presentations and trainings will be delivered to various stakeholder groups to communicate EVCWG initiatives and priorities to stakeholders (Objective 2) and to educate stakeholders on cucurbit viruses and their management (Objective 3). EVCWG will also develop educational resources, such as fact sheets and videos, that will be distributed to stakeholders and made available online on a EVCWG webpage that will serve as a repository for working group updates and information on emerging viruses in cucurbits (Objective 3). Impact. These resources, along with delivered presentations, will improve awareness, identification, and management of existing and new viruses across the industry. Ultimately, in carrying out the mission of EVCWG, the cucurbit industry in the United States will benefit from improved stability and profitability resulting from decreases in new virus introductions and/or spread and yield losses attributed to virus infection. 

1. Establish a working group comprised of members from all sectors of the cucurbit industry to identify and prioritize emerging virus threats to production and determine the best methods to address identified/prioritized threats

a. Hold quarterly Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group (EVCWG) meetings (in-person/virtual/hybrid) to connect members of different sectors and regions of the cucurbit industry and promote team building

2. Communicate working group initiatives and designated priorities to stakeholders (e.g. producers, agricultural educators, transplant operations/nurseries, researchers, plant breeders, seed producers, etc.) within the cucurbit industry through various outreach efforts

a. Develop a publication defining the EVCWG and its mission and identified priorities (e.g. virus threats, mitigation strategies, etc.)
b. Deliver presentations defining the EVCWG and its mission and identified priorities

3. Educate stakeholders (e.g. producers, agricultural educators, transplant operations/nurseries, researchers, plant breeders, seed producers, etc.) within the cucurbit industry on emerging viruses through various outreach efforts

a. Develop a EVCWG webpage to communicate EVCWG initiatives, activities, and resources for outreach and education to stakeholders
b. Develop online videos and fact sheets on virus threats to cucurbit production
c. Deliver educational presentations to stakeholders on emerging viruses and their management