Effect of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus on Development and Yield of Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo). Matthew J. Blua, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside 92521. Thomas M. Perring, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside 92521. Plant Dis. 73:317-320. Accepted for publication 3 November 1988. Copyright 1989 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-73-0317.

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) causes a severe disease of cucurbit crops that incites stunting, chlorosis, deformation, and flower reduction, all resulting in yield loss. In a randomized complete block design, we documented the effect of ZYMV on cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) and showed that inoculation with this virus during vegetative and early flowering stages caused 94 and 76% reduction of marketable fruit, respectively. Plants inoculated after fruit set and healthy control plants produced a comparable number of marketable fruit. Fruit quality, as indicated by fruit size and percentage of soluble solids, was reduced by ZYMV infection during vegetative and early flowering stages but not when plants were infected after fruit set.