Gyeonggi Agricultural Technology Institute issues warning for "yellows virus disease" in melons and other cucurbits.

(Suwon=Yonhap News) Reporter Choi Hae-min = The Gyeonggi Institute of Agricultural Technology (GIAT) urged on the 7th that early control of vector insects such as aphids and tobacco whiteflies is necessary due to the spread of cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus in crops like watermelon, cucumber, and melon.

According to a survey conducted by GIAT over the past three years in nine major melon cultivation areas in Pyeongtaek, Yongin, and Yangpyeong, the incidence rate of cucurbit aphid-borne yellow stunting disorder virus was 78% in 2022, 80% in 2023, and 78% in 2024, averaging 78%.

Crops infected with the yellow stunting disorder virus exhibit yellowing leaves and stunted growth, significantly reducing the quality of the fruit.

Since there is no cure and it is easy to mistake the physiological disorder at the beginning of cultivation, farmers may suffer significant losses at harvest time.

GIAT urged early control of vector insects by installing insect nets and sticky traps on entrance doors and side windows to reduce damage from the yellow stunting disorder virus.

Park Jung-soo, head of the Environmental Agriculture Research Division at GIAT, said, "It is most important to thoroughly control vector insects from the beginning to prevent yellow stunting disorder virus" and "If there are suspected symptoms or if an accurate diagnosis is needed, please consult the 'Cyber Plant Hospital' operated by Gyeonggi Province for accurate diagnosis and management methods."