Characterization of seed-borne viruses associated with cucurbits in Punjab

The present investigations were conducted to characterize the seed-borne viruses associated with cucurbits in the Punjab state. The observations taken during these studies revealed the highest incidence (24.59%) of mosaic, blistering and vein banding type of symptoms and the least incidence (6.28%) of mosaic and mottling type of symptoms during 2007–08. The inoculum from the virus infected plants showing different types of symptoms was characterized on the basis of physical properties, transmission, serology and electron microscopy. These studies revealed the presence of three seed-borne viruses viz., cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), squash mosaic virus (SqMV) and cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGnMtMV) in the Punjab state.