Evaluation of benomyl and thiophanate-methyl for the control of Verticillium wilt of strawberry in the Netherlands

In pot experiments the fungicides benomyl and thiophanate-methyl controlledVerticillium wilt of strawberry when applied as a soil drench after planting. Both compounds were ineffective as foliar sprays and as root dips prior to planting. Soil drenches applied to commercially grown runner plants in the waiting field (August) and to the same plants in the greenhouse (December or January) increased the yield. On infested ground, a soil drench with thiophanate-methyl promoted the occurrence of crown rot caused byPhytophthora cactorum.     

Bacterial wilt symptoms are impacted by host age and involve net downward movement of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erwinia tracheiphila</Emphasis> in muskmelon

Cucurbit bacterial wilt, caused by Erwinia tracheiphila, is a devastating disease of cucurbit crops in the Midwest and Northeast U.S. Current management of bacterial wilt relies primarily on insecticide applications to control striped and spotted cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum and Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, respectively), which vector E. tracheiphila. Development of alternative management strategies is constrained by a lack of understanding of bacterial wilt etiology. The impact of host age on rate on symptom development and extent of bacterial movement in the xylem of muskmelon (Cucumis melo cv. Athena) was evaluated following wound inoculation of 2- to 8-week-old plants in growth chamber experiments. Wilting occurred more rapidly in plants after inoculating E. tracheiphila into 2- or 4-week-old plants than 6- or 8-week-old plants. Recovery of viable cells from stem segments revealed that vascular spread of E. tracheiphila was more extensive below than above the inoculation point. These findings provide experimental evidence that host age impacts the rate of symptom development in cucurbit bacterial wilt and that movement of the xylem-inhabiting pathogen E. tracheiphila within muskmelon plants occurs primarily in the downward direction.     

Possibilities of biological and chemical control of Verticillium wilt in pepper

In pathogen populations in Serbia, the incidence, pathogenic and morphological characters ofVerticillium spp. were studied. Biological and chemical control ofVerticillium was investigated in pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L. cv. ‘Soroksari’) with the biofungicide Polyversum^® (Pythium oligandrum) and the conventional fungicides benomyl and propamocarb-hydrochloride. On the basis of macroscopic and microscopic characters of the isolates originating from eight localities in Serbia, it was established that they apparently belong to the speciesVerticillum dahliae. The isolates differed in their pathogenic characters. However, all of them caused marked wilting symptoms on pepper plants 40 days after inoculation, conducted when there were more than nine fully developed leaves on the primary stem. The fungicides were applied either before or after inoculation. Benomyl was the most efficient fungicide in wilt control (88.2% when applied after inoculation and 94.6% when applied before inoculation). Polyversum proved more efficient (66.6%) when applied before rather than after inoculation. Propamocarb-hydrochloride provided sufficient Verticillium wilt control; its efficacy and that of Polyversum were similar, and less efficient than benomyl, but still significantly different from the disease control.     

Relationships between disease and yield in cotton fields affected byAlternaria macrospora

Application of various fungicides to cotton plots (Gossypium barbadense cv. Pima) affected byAlternaria macrospora resulted in a yield increase from 3955 kg/ha in unsprayed plots to 5207 kg/ha in plots treated with fentin acetate. Pathogen, host and disease parameters were estimated by a key of grades in the field and by precise measurements of detached plants. Measurements included the number of spores present in the field and numbers and/or areas of healthy, lesioned and shed leaves and bolls. No significant differences were found between the number of healthy bolls on variously treated plants and the number of lesioned bolls on the same plants. Disease incidence was relatively low in treated plots, with no significant difference between treatments and no correlation with the size of the pathogen population or the yield level in variously treated plots. The low proportion of lesioned leaves resulted from their tendency to shed and from the emergence of new leaves, which masked the damage. Rate of shedding was correlated with the respective yield and with the size of the pathogen population in the same plot. Leaf shedding was induced by lesions occupying an average of 1 to 3% of the leaf area. Shedding was affected by leaf position on the plant, being most frequent for the lowest leaves despite their being the least lesioned, and least frequent for the upper leaves even though these were the most lesioned.     

Efficacy of phosphonate in controlling white powdery rot of fig caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora palmivora</Emphasis>

Pre- and post-infection activities of phosphonate and fungicides (azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, cyazofamid, copper hydroxide, and copper sulfate) against white powdery rot on fig leaves caused by Phytophthora palmivora were determined. Phosphonate and fungicides were applied at 3, 7, or 14 days before inoculation and 16, 24, or 40 h after inoculation. Phosphonate and four fungicides (except for chlorothalonil) had protectant activity for up to 14 days before inoculation. Protectant activity between phosphonate and the four fungicides did not differ significantly. These fungicides did not have a curative activity, whereas only phosphonate had a curative activity when applied 16 h after inoculation. The pre-infection activity of phosphonate was determined in fig fields. Phosphonate provided excellent protectant activity, and its activity did not differ significantly from that of the copper fungicides. The activity of phosphonate in the life cycle of P. palmivora was compared with that of the five fungicides. Half-maximal effective concentration of the inhibition of mycelial growth was low for phosphonate, chlorothalonil, and the two copper fungicides. Mycelial growth was least affected by azoxystrobin and cyazofamid, but n-propyl gallate, an alternative oxidase inhibitor, in combination with these fungicides, significantly inhibited mycelial growth. Sporangium formation was sensitive to all compounds. Germination of encysted zoospores was sensitive to azoxystrobin, cyazofamid, and chlorothalonil and least sensitive to phosphonate and the two copper fungicides. The activity of phosphonate on mycelial growth and sporulation of P. palmivora suggests it has potential for controlling the disease.     

Additional species of aphidoidea in Israel

Data are presented on 25 species of aphids recorded in Israel during the last 25 years. Information is provided on their host plants, localities and dates of collection. The occurrence of 11 of these species has not been reported previously. Three of the species are noxious:Cinara cupressi (Buckton),Monellia caryella (Fitch) andAphis citricola van der Goot (= ?A. spiraecola Patch).     

The overwintering mode ofBemisia tabaci and its parasitoids in Israel

Wild and cultivated plants in the vicinity of Kibbutz Nahshon and a few additional locations in Israel were sampled for the presence ofBemisia tabaci Genna-dius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). The whiteflies, together with their parasites,Eretmocerus mundus andEncarsia lutea, were found to develop on numerous host species throughout the winter. Especially high levels were reached onLan-tana camara, Abutilon grandifolium andIpomoea batatas. During late winter and spring the population on these hosts declined. From April onwards the populations increased on potatoes and sunflowers.     

Azoxystrobin and propiconazole offer significant potential for rice blast (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyricularia oryzae</Emphasis>) management in Australia

Fungicides are the preferred rice blast (Pyricularia oryzae) control option by farmers. However, no fungicides are yet registered for this purpose in Australia. Hence, it is important to test the baseline sensitivity of P. oryzae isolates collected from blast-affected regions across northern Australia, which have not yet been exposed to the fungicides, as part of a resistance management strategy. Further, it is also important to investigate and compare effect of application timing of fungicides on conidial development, including germination and germ tube growth, and penetration on susceptible rice. The EC₅₀ of a collection of fungicide-sensitive blast isolates were within the range of 0.02–2.02 and 0.06–1.91 mg L^?1 for azoxystrobin and propiconazole, respectively. Azoxystrobin was shown to have greater inhibitory effect on conidial germination than propiconazole. In addition, for pre-inoculation application, only germ tubes in the presence of external nutrients continued to grow from 24 to 48 hpi. On susceptible seedlings, both fungicides completely controlled blast disease when applied the same day as inoculation. However, for pre- or post-inoculation application of fungicide, the extent of disease control was reduced, with azoxystrobin more efficacious than propiconazole. A stimulatory effect of both fungicides at low dose was observed on certain P. oryzae isolates. This is the first study to assess the baseline sensitivity of the P. oryzae population in Australia and the first to report a stimulatory effect of low azoxystrobin concentration on growth of P. oryzae. The study highlights, for the first time, the critical role of external nutrients in promoting germ tube growth under fungicide stress conditions. Lastly, it demonstrates the high degree of efficacy of the fungicides and their potential for future rice blast management in Australia.     

Comparative efficacy of strobilurin fungicides against downy mildew disease of pearl millet

Three commercial formulations of strobilurins, viz., azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, and trifloxystrobin were evaluated for their efficacy against pearl millet downy mildew disease caused by Sclerospora graminicola. In vitro studies revealed inhibition of S. graminicola sporulation, zoospore release, and zoospore motility at 0.1-2 μg ml⁻¹ of all the three fungicides. The fungicides were evaluated for phytotoxic effects on seed quality parameters and for their effectiveness against downy mildew disease by treating pearl millet by: (1) seed dressing, (2) seed dressing followed by foliar spray, and (3) also by foliar spray alone. The highest non-phytotoxic concentrations of 5, 10, and 10 μg ml⁻¹ for azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, and kresoxim-methyl, respectively, were selected for further studies. Under greenhouse conditions, these fungicides showed varying degrees of protection against downy mildew disease. Among the three fungicides, azoxystrobin proved to be the best by offering disease protection of 66%. Further, seed treatment along with foliar application of these fungicides to diseased plants showed enhanced protection against the disease to 93, 82, and 62% in treatments of azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl and trifloxystrobin respectively. Foliar spray alone provided significant increase in disease protection levels of 91, 79, and 59% in treatments of azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, and trifloxystrobin, respectively. Disease curative activity of azoxystrobin was higher compared to trifloxystrobin and kresoxim-methyl. Tested fungicides showed weaker translaminar activity, as the disease inhibition was marginal when applied on adaxial leaf surface. Partial systemic activity of azoxystrobin was evident by root uptake, while trifloxystrobin and kresoxim-methyl showed lack of systemic action in pearl millet. A trend in protection against downy mildew disease similar to greenhouse results was evident in the field trials. Grain yield was significantly increased in all strobilurin fungicide treatments over control and maximum increase in yield of 1673 kg ha⁻¹ was observed in combination treatments of seed treatment and foliar spray with azoxystrobin.     

Effects of fungicides JS399-19, azoxystrobin, tebuconazloe, and carbendazim on the physiological and biochemical indices and grain yield of winter wheat

The impact of four modern fungicides JS399-19 (2-cyano-3-amino-3-phenylancryic acetate) (novel fungicide), azoxystrobin (a strobilurin), tebuconazole (a triazole) and carbendazim (a benzimidazole), applied as foliar spray at the recommended field rate, on the physiology and biochemistry of the senescence process and grain yield was studied in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. ‘Nannong No. 9918’) under natural environmental conditions. Fungicide treatments to wheat plants at growth stage [ZGS] 57 (3/4 of head emerged) significantly increased the chlorophyll (CHL) and soluble protein (SP) content and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage. Additionally, activities of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) in flag leaves of the fungicide-treated plants were also higher than that in untreated plants. These coincided with elevated levels of H₂O₂ and reduced level of in the fungicide-treated plants. The results suggested that the fungicide-induced delay of senescence was due to an enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity protecting the plants from harmful active oxygen species (AOS). Because all fungicides can induce the delay of wheat senescence, fungicide-treated wheat shown higher grain yield than untreated wheat. Of all tested fungicides, JS399-19, azoxystrobin and tebuconazole showed similar effects on delaying senescence of wheat and enhancing the grain yield of wheat, but JS399-19 was more efficient in general.     

Symptom expression of the tomato wilt fungiverticillium andfusarium as affected by the presence of tobacco mosaic virus

The severity of Verticillium wilt symptoms increased 20-30 days earlier in the season in tomato plants in the presence of Tobacco Mosaic Virus than in plants infected with fungus alone. There were no differences in symptom intensity between tomato plants infected withFusarium alone and with aFusarium-TMV combination. The increase of fungus infectivity in aVerticillium-TM’V combination treatment is suggested to be a synergistic effect.     

Management of wheat blast with synthetic fungicides,partial resistance and silicate and phosphite minerals

Field trials conducted on a yellow-red latossol (pH 6.0), replicated in 2010 and 2011, sought to examine the effect of silicon, phosphite minerals, synthetic fungicides and genetic resistance for wheat blast management (Magnaporthe grisea) in Central Brazil. Disease intensity was measured on cvs. BRS 264 and BR18 subjected to the following Si treatments: pre-plant furrow application of Ca & Mg silicate (300 kg ha^-1); post-plant scattered application of Ca & Mg silicate on top of the soil (1 ton ha^-1); multiple foliar SiO₂ applications (30 g l ^-1); and non-treated control. Blast incidence and severity were scored. Further experiments were conducted on cv. BR-264, for examination of the effect of potassium phosphite and synthetic fungicides on wheat blast intensity, with the following treatments: K₂HPO₃ (1ml l ^-1); epoxinazole + pyraclostrobin (700 ml ha^-1); tebuconazole (600 ml ha^-1); tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin (750 ml ha^-1); and non-treated control. In 2010, disease intensity was lower than in 2011. In the silicate experiments, disease was significantly lower when plants were treated with foliar or furrow silicate. Si applications significantly reduced disease in BRS-264. While BR-18 consistently demonstrated lower disease levels, cv. BRS-264 generally responded more markedly to silicon applications. In the phosphite/fungicide experiment of 2010, all treatments reduced disease when compared with the control, and in 2011 phosphite efficiency was not significantly different from some fungicide treatments. Synthetic fungicides demonstrated an average blast control of 55% by severity values. Yields were increased in the phosphite-treated plots (by 9–80%), in the Si treatments (by 26–92%), and more so, and more consistently, with synthetic fungicides (by 90–121%). Combined results of all field studies, carried out under environmental conditions highly conducive to disease, indicated that control of wheat blast necessitates the joint integration of several alternatives for efficient disease management.     

peronospora radii de by., a causal agent of downy mildew of anthemideae: complementary description and new hosts recorded in Israel

Peronospora radii de Bary 1863, a new record in Israel, was found in January 1985 to be the cause of a downy mildew of cultivated marguerite daisies, cv. ‘Scheine von Nizza’ (a cultivar ofArgyranthemum frutescens: Anthemideae: Compositae), grown in an unheated greenhouse in the Coastal Plain. The same fungal species was found in February 1986 on the very common, wildChrysanthemum coronarium (Anthemideae), 13 km distant from the previous year’s location. Conidia of the fungus on ‘Nizza’ leaves had average dimensions similar to those on ‘Nizza’ flowers, but differed in variance (minimal and maximal length and width) and 40% of them had papillate apicesvs 4% in conidia from flowers. The average length and width of conidia from both leaves and flowers of ‘Nizza’ were slightly above those already described forP. radii in the literature. The conidia fromCh. coronarium had average lengths, widths and quotients significantly higher than those from ‘Nizza’ and from the previously published data, extending the range to 43.8 x 24.3 μm, quotient: 1.83vs the highest published averages of 34.2 x 23.74 μm, quotient: 1.70. OnCh. coronarium, the dimensions of conidia had great variance within samples from the same plant and differed significantly even between plants at the same time and location, showing this fungus to have more variability than was previously known. Oospores, known elsewhere for this species, were not found in Israel. The disease was successfully transmitted from diseasedCh. coronarium to healthyCh. coronarium and ‘Nizza’(A. frutescens) but not to another, white-flowered cultivar ofA. frutescens, when all these different plants were transplanted and grown together in physical contact. Isozyme analysis, performed on conidial samples ofP. radii from leaves of both species of hosts and flowers ofCh. coronarium, corroborated that the pathogen was the same on each host and on both petals and leaves. The disease was eradicated by chemical treatment in the commercial greenhouse and also disappeared without treatment in infected plants kept over summer in a dry, airconditioned glasshouse.     

Management of laurel wilt of avocado,caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Raffaelea lauricola</Emphasis>

Laurel wilt is caused by Raffaelea lauricola, a nutritional symbiont of an Asian ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus. American members of the Lauraceae plant family are most susceptible and 300 million trees have been killed by the disease in the southeastern USA since 2003. Recently, commercial production of an important crop in the laurel family, avocado (Persea americana), has been affected in southern Florida. We summarize studies in which diverse measures were tested for managing the disease. In all studies, trees were treated with potential laurel wilt control measures and subsequently inoculated with R. lauricola. On potted plants in greenhouse experiments, commercial nutritional products (Greenstim and Keyplex 350) and SAR products (Agri-Fos and Nutri-Phite), when applied as soil drenches or foliar sprays, had either no impact on, or increased laurel wilt symptom development compared to non-treated control treatments. Bark applications of Tilt (a propiconazole fungicide for which emergency registration had been obtained in 2010) in a surfactant (Pentrabark) enabled significant laurel wilt protection in greenhouse studies on small potted plants, but Pentrabark and other surfactants moved little propiconazole into the xylem of fruit-bearing trees in field studies. In efficacy studies in the field, Propiconazole Pro (an injectable formulation of propiconazole), Tilt, and two experimental formulations of another triazole fungicide, tebuconazole, decreased the development of laurel wilt compared to nontreated control trees when applied as undiluted injections into branches and scaffold limbs (microinjection), or injection of dilute fungicide into tree flare roots (macroinfusion). However, symptoms developed in all treated trees by 10–11 months after inoculation with R. lauricola, indicating that trees would need to be re-treated at least on an annual basis. Regardless of how fungicides were applied, insignificant levels of different active ingredients entered fruit. Although fungicide treatment of fruit-bearing avocado trees is not a concern for food safety and several triazole and DMI fungicides can protect avocado trees from laurel wilt, cost-effective measures with which the xylem could be loaded with and protected by these products remains a challenge. Management of laurel wilt in commercial avocado production areas is discussed.     

Control of phytophthora leaf blight of taro (Colocasia esculenta) by fungicides and roguing

Six fungicides were evaluated under laboratory and field conditions for control of Phytophthora leaf blight of taro,Coloeasia esculenta, incited byPhytophthora colocasiae. Inin vitro tests Deraosan 65W was the most effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the test pathogen followed by Difolatan 80W, Fytolan (copper oxychloride), Apron 35F, Topsin-M 50W and Dithane Z-78 75W. Excellent control was obtained with Demosan 65W and Difolatan 80W, good control with Apron 35F, fair control with Fytolan, and poor control with Topsin-M 50W and Dithane Z-78 75W. Results ofin vivo tests were correlated with those of thein vitro tests. Roguing of infected leaves did not eradicate the pathogen but can only delay epiphytotics.     

Recent outbreaks of rust diseases and the importance of basic biological research for controlling rusts

Rust fungi are obligate plant parasites belonging to the order Pucciniales; they comprise about 7,800 species throughout the world. Some species seriously damage crops, vegetables, fruits and trees. Of these species, wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici), Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) and myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii) have recently become major concerns worldwide, and this review, discusses recent rust disease outbreaks of Asian soybean rust and myrtle rust. Both rusts have very wide host ranges. Asian soybean rust has spread from its original region of distribution (eastern Asia) to many areas of soybean cultivation around the world. Myrtle rust is a new disease in areas where host plants were first introduced and has spread to other parts of the world including the areas where the host plants are indigenous. New diseases of economically important plants can occur by host shifts from wild host plants or host jumps from phylogenetically unrelated plant species. Recent advances in molecular phylogenetic studies have contributed to a revision of rust taxonomy. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, together with precise morphological observations and inoculation experiments, have identified taxonomic groups among populations that are morphologically very similar. Systematic, ecological and other basic biological studies of rust fungi in both cultivated and wild host plants are very important for developing methods to control rust diseases. Recent changes in the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature will surely affect the systematics of rust fungi.     

杀菌剂和杀虫剂使用对玉米病虫害防治及效益分析

玉米病虫害是影响玉米产量和品质的重要因素。本研究选择2种杀虫剂(40%氯虫苯甲酰胺·噻虫嗪WG和100 g/L顺式氯氰菊酯EC)和4种杀菌剂(18.7%丙环唑·嘧菌酯SE、250 g/L吡唑醚菌酯EC、125 g/L氟环唑SE和17%吡唑醚菌酯·氟环唑SE),通过单独或组合在玉米心叶期(V12)一次性施药,并在药后7 d接种玉米弯孢菌,随后对各处理的防治效果和经济效益进行比较分析。基于施药成本、施药后的增产效益和玉米价格,采用贝叶斯推断统计方法计算净利润的概率。在盈利平衡点(纯利润为0),通过施药获得净利润的概率变幅在0.328～0.998之间;如果要获得1 500元/hm~2的净利润,各施药处理概率的变幅为0.024～0.993,其中40%氯虫苯甲酰胺·噻虫嗪WG+18.7%丙环唑·嘧菌酯SE处理的盈利概率最高(0.986～0.993),其次18.7%丙环唑·嘧菌酯SE和40%氯虫苯甲酰胺·噻虫嗪WG+17%吡唑醚菌酯·氟环唑SE处理的盈利概率也超过0.947。本研究表明40%氯虫苯甲酰胺·噻虫嗪WG+18.7%丙环唑·嘧菌酯SE是防治当地玉米病虫害理想的杀虫剂杀菌剂施药组合。     

Effect of Cotton leaf curl virus infected plants on the biology of the whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): Vector–virus mutualism

Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) (Geminiviridae : Begomovirus), the causative agent of leaf curl disease in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum), is exclusively transmitted by whitefly species Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). CLCuV transmission occurs in Sriganganagar (Rajasthan), an area endemic with cotton leaf curl disease. The relationships between plant viruses, their herbivore vectors and host plants can be beneficial, neutral, or antagonistic, depending on the species involved. To further understand these relationships, fecundity and life history parameters of an indigenous non- b (Asia II genetic group) biotype whitefly, B. tabaci, were compared on 10, 25, and 40 days post-inoculation (DPI), in CLCuV-infected and healthy cotton plants to determine the effect of virus on its vector. The development time of the immature stages of whiteflies was significantly reduced on CLCuV-infected plants. The development time of the immature stages did not change with severity of symptoms at 25 and 40 DPI (45- and 60-d-old plants). Cotton leaf curl virus infection increased percent egg viability of B. tabaci. Whiteflies deposited significantly fewer eggs on virus-infected plants than on healthy plants. Whiteflies had better egg viability on younger plants than older plants, whereas plant age did not affect the fecundity. Male and female whiteflies had shorter longevity on CLCuV-infected plants than on healthy plants.     

Pathogenicity and Fungicide Sensitivity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizoctonia solani</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">R. cerealis</Emphasis> Isolates

The Rhizoctonia solani species consists of multinucleate isolates that belong to anastomosis groups AG1–AG3 and differ in virulence and host affinity. R. cerealis is a binucleate species of anastomosis group AG-D which causes sharp eyespot, a common plant disease in Poland. Rhizoctonia spp. is a ubiquitous soil pathogen that poses a significant threat for global crop production due to the absence of effective crop protection products. The aim of this study was to determine the virulence of R. solani and R. cerealis isolates towards Beta vulgaris, Zea mays, Triticum spelta and T. aestivum seedlings, to confirm the presence of endopolygalacturonase genes pg1 and pg5 in the genomes of the tested isolates and to evaluate the tested isolates’ sensitivity to triazole, strobilurin, imidazole and carboxamide fungicides. All tested isolates infected B. vulgaris seedlings. but none of them were virulent against Z. mays plants. R. solani isolates AG4 PL and AG2-2IIIB PL were characterized by the highest virulence (average infestation score of 2.37 and 2.53 points on a scale of 0–3 points) against sugar beet seedlings. The prevalence of infections caused by most of the analysed isolates (in particular R. solani AG4 J—11.8, and R. cerealis RC2—0.78) was higher in spelt than in bread wheat. The virulence of the analysed isolates was not correlated with the presence of pg1 and pg5 genes. The efficacy of the tested fungicides in controlling Rhizoctonia spp. infections was estimated at 100% (propiconazole + cyproconazole), 98.8% (penthiopyrad), 95.4% (tebuconazole) and 78.3% (azoxystrobin).     

Biological and Serological Characterization of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic and Watermelon Mosaic Virus-2 Isolates in Israel

Cucurbit potyviruses were collected in the field in Israel and subcultured in indicator plants in a greenhouse. Partial characterization of the Israeli cucurbit potyviruses was done on the basis of host reaction using cucurbits, peas andChenopodium spp. as hosts. Further classification of potyviruses was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serological specific electron microscopy (SSEM). By these methods it was possible to identify three of the four isolates as strains of the zucchini yellow mosaic virus, while the fourth was identified as watermelon mosaic virus-2. Two of the ZYMV isolates were nonaphid-transmissible following prolonged mechanical transmission in a greenhouse. Both of these isolates were found to produce helper components capable of assisting the transmission of virions from a transmissible isolate but not those of their own.