Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services: Be cautious of yellowing virus disease in melons, watermelons, and cucumbers

Install insect nets and sticky traps on doors and side windows and urge for immediate chemical control when outbreaks occur The Gyeonggi Agricultural Technology Institute urged early control of vector insects such as aphids and tobacco whiteflies in farms growing cucurbit crops like melons, watermelons, and cucumbers as yellowing virus disease spreads in these crops. According to a survey conducted by the Gyeonggi Agricultural Technology Institute in nine major melon growing areas in Pyeongtaek, Yongin, and Yangpyeong last year, the incidence rate of cucurbit aphid-borne yellowing virus over the past three years was 78% in 2022, 80% in 2023, and 78% in 2024, averaging 78%. One of the major yellowing viruses, the cucurbit yellowing virus, was first detected in some melon growing areas in Pyeongtaek last year and has spread to watermelon growing areas in Yongin and Yangpyeong this year. Crops infected with yellowing virus show yellowing leaves and stunted growth, leading to a ...