A Strain of Squash-Mosaic Virus and other Cucurbit Viruses Found in Puerto Rico, During 1958-62

Abstract

1. A virus causing mottle and blistering in leaves of Cucumis melo var. Smith Perfect was isolated from an experimental planting at Río Piedras, P.R., in 1958. Its host range, dilution end-point, thermal inactivation, resistance to freezing, and serological similarity with a severe strain of squash-mosaic virus from Wisconsin (SSV) indicated that it belonged in the squash-mosaic virus group. 2. The studies reported above, as well as tests performed on samples from commercial and experimental cucurbit plantings in Puerto Rico during 1960-62, show that at least three cucurbit viruses are present in Puerto Rico. These are: Cucumber-mosaic virus, squash-mosaic virus, and watermelon-mosaic virus.