Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services Urges Control of 'Yellowing Virus' in Watermelon and Other Cucurbit Crops

Gyeonggi Province has urged farmers cultivating cucurbit crops such as watermelon to take measures against the yellowing virus.

The Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services has called on farmers growing cucurbit crops, including melon, watermelon, and cucumber, to implement early control measures against insect vectors such as aphids and whiteflies, as yellowing virus disease is spreading in these cultivation areas.

According to the Agricultural Research and Extension Services, a survey conducted last year at nine major melon cultivation sites in Pyeongtaek, Yongin, Yangpyeong, and other areas showed that the incidence rate of aphid-transmitted cucurbit yellowing virus over the past three years was 78% in 2022, 80% in 2023, and 78% in 2024, with an average of 78%.

One of the main yellowing viruses, Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus, was first detected last year at some melon cultivation sites in Pyeongtaek, and this year it has spread to watermelon cultivation areas in Yongin, Yangpyeong, and other regions.

Melon yellowing virus transmitted by aphids

Crops infected with the yellowing virus develop yellowing leaves and stunted growth, which significantly reduces fruit quality. Since there is no treatment available and symptoms in the early stages of cultivation can easily be mistaken for physiological disorders, the extent of damage can increase.

To reduce damage, it is necessary to remove crop residues and surrounding weeds after harvest, and to install insect screens and sticky traps on doors and side windows. During August and September, when vector populations increase, it is effective to alternate insecticide classes to prevent resistance, applying them every 3 to 7 days for 2 to 3 cycles.

Park Joongsu, head of the Environmental Agriculture Division at the Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services, stated, "For yellowing virus disease, thorough control of insect vectors from the early stages is most important." He added, "If you observe suspicious symptoms or need an accurate diagnosis, please consult the Cyber Plant Hospital operated by Gyeonggi Province (plant119.kr) to receive an accurate diagnosis and management recommendations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.