Variability in virus isolates causing mosaic syndrome of cucurbits in Punjab

Cucurbit growing areas in different agro-climatic zones of Punjab were surveyed during 2002 and 2003 for various types of mosaic disease in cucurbits. Various isolates exhibiting different types of symptoms were collected and were categorized in seven groups (MM-1 to MM-7) based on symptoms produced on muskmelon and the host range. All the isolates were transmissible through sap, aphids (Aphis gossypii) and seed. Based on the symptom expression on indicator plants, host range, transmission studies, virion morphology, biophysical properties, serology and electron microscopic studies, the isolates were identified as isolates of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Watermelon mosaic virus-1 (WMV-1).