Investigations on Begomoviruses and Whiteflies on Ridge Gourd

Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) transmitted Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV) is a major constraint in cultivation of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L) in South India. A survey across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has highlighted a high incidence of begomovirus infections in ridge gourd crop. Despite the cultivation of 20 varieties by the farmers, none demonstrated significant resistance with infection rates varying significantly across districts, from 30% to 100%. Molecular analysis of whiteflies and ridge gourd samples confirmed the presence of B. tabaci and ToLCNDV. ToLCNDV isolate with genetic sequences showing a 100% identity to known strains in India and South Korea, is known for affecting a range of cucurbit crops. The findings underscore the threat caused by ToLCNDV to yield stability on ridge gourd.