Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services urges early control measures for the spread of yellow virus disease in melon and cucurbit crops

Gyeonggi Agricultural Technology Institute urged farmers growing melons, watermelons, cucumbers, and other cucurbit crops to implement early control measures against vectors such as aphids and whiteflies as yellowing virus disease spreads in the cultivation areas. According to a survey conducted by the Gyeonggi Agricultural Technology Institute last year in nine major melon cultivation areas in Pyeongtaek, Yongin, and Yangpyeong, the incidence rate of cucurbit aphid-borne yellowing virus over the past three years averaged 78%, with 78% in 2022, 80% in 2023, and 78% in 2024. Cucurbit yellowing virus, one of the major yellowing viruses, was first detected in some melon cultivation areas in Pyeongtaek last year and has spread to watermelon cultivation areas in Yongin and Yangpyeong this year. Crops infected with yellowing virus show yellowing leaves and stunted growth, leading to a significant decline in fruit quality. There are no therapeutic agents, and it is easy to mistake the ...