Suppression of Watermelon Mosaic Virus in Summer Squash with Plastic Mulches and Rowcovers

Abstract

Plastic mulches and rowcovers were evaluated in southern Illinois to determine their influence on watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) disease incidence and symptom severity in susceptible and tolerant summer squash (Cucurbita pepo). The use of either black or white mulch produced greater early and total marketable yields than no mulch (bare soil) on `Dividend' and `Multipik'. More fruit had WMV symptoms with no mulch than with mulch, regardless of cultivar. However, more severe WMV symptoms developed on the fruit of susceptible `Multipik' compared to tolerant `Dividend'. The use of plastic mulches provided greater and longer protection to `Dividend' compared to `Multipik'. However, `Dividend' fruit did eventually develop virus symptoms as disease incidence in production fields increased. Rowcovers reduced the number of alate aphids landing on plants which resulted in fewer plants with WMV symptoms and suppression of symptoms on squash plants regardless of mulch type. Rowcovers had a greater influence on reducing the incidence of WMV and the severity of symptoms on `Dividend' compared to `Elite'. Rowcovers did not reduce WMV on `Elite' by the end of the season and were more effective when used with white mulch compared to black mulch. Rowcovers suppressed the incidence and severity of WMV symptoms that developed on a virus tolerant squash cultivar for a greater length of time compared to a susceptible cultivar, which related to increased yields and fewer culls with virus symptoms on the tolerant cultivar.