Serological detection of watermelon mosaic virus-2 (WMV-2) infecting cucumber in Himachal Pradesh

Incidence of watermelon mosaic virus-2 (WMV-2) in the fields of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) has been observed in Solan and Sirmour districts of Himachal Pradesh. The characteristic symptoms exhibited were clearing of veins, banding of veins, mild mosaic to yellow mosaic, leaf blistering along with stunted growth of vines bearing small sized distorted fruits. An isolate of this virus was selected for identification and serological studies were based on these observed symptoms. Serological identification of virus isolate through DAC and DAS-ELISA showed strong positive serological relationship with WMV-2 antiserum besides a mild reaction with zuchhini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) antibodies.