Unique silvering of the leaves is the characteristic symptom induced by feeding of immature stages of silver leaf whitefly which releases a toxin inducing the unique pattern on the leaves.
Whitefly vectored plant virus
A number of whitefly-transmitted viruses, including cucurbit leaf crumple virus, cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus, and squash vein yellowing virus, are able to infect and cause losses in cucurbit crops.
South Carolina Grower Update | August 12, 2024
As our late-summer and fall plantings get underway, keep in mind two cucurbit insect pests that worsen around this time: whiteflies and caterpillars.
Whitefly infestations observed in Florida
Whiteflies are responsible for transmitting multiple viruses, including cucurbit leaf crumple virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | April 8, 2024
📢South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline📢
🍉 Increasing whitefly numbers, squash vein yellowing virus, cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, and papaya ringspot virus, Powdery mildew, Cucurbit downy mildew 🥒
Whitefly-transmitted viruses can devastate cucurbits
Whiteflies are responsible for transmitting multiple viruses, including cucurbit leaf crumple virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus. According to University of Georgia crop loss estimates for fall 2017, these viruses caused between 30% and 50% crop loss in squash and cucumbers and nearly 80% crop loss in snap beans that year.
Florida Watermelon producers focus on pest and disease management.
Research which focuses on pest and disease management is at the heart of crop sustainability in Florida’s watermelon industry. Two issues that need immediate attention are whiteflies and fusarium wilt in watermelon.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | Dec. 3, 2023
Widespread Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), and cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) infestations have been reported on watermelon in multiple locations. Crumple virus and yellow stunt virus are now common in mature watermelon fields with low levels of vine decline.
Gummy stem blight is reaching moderate to high levels in watermelon fields.
Low levels of Anthracnose on watermelons.
Powdery mildew and Downy mildew was reported in cucumber and squash. Downy mildew is expected to increase in melons due to the recent rain.
