Occurrence of melon necrotic spot carmovirus in Italy

Since 1995, a severe necrosis disease has been observed in winter melon ( Cucumis melo var. inodorus ) grown in the open in Sardegna region. At the stage of fruit ripening, infected plants show decline and premature death, a syndrome known as'collapse'. Fungal pathogens have never been detected. In 1998, melon necrotic spot carmovirus (MNSV) was isolated from diseased plants showing necrotic symptoms on leaves and branches. The virus was identified by biological and serological assays. MNSV may represent a limiting factor to winter melon production in Sardegna where the'inodorus'group is widely cultivated and appreciated for local consumption. This is the first occurrence of MNSV in Italy.