Genetic potentiality of Pumpkin genotypes against Pumpkin yellow vein mosaic virus

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir.), a nutritious vegetable, is susceptible to several diseases, with Pumpkin Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (PYVMV) causing severe impact by affecting plants at all growth stages, leading to substantial yield losses, vegetable shortages, and malnutrition in Bangladesh. This study evaluated thirty pumpkin genotypes for PYVMV resistance, genetic potential, and yield characteristics, sourced from Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) Agribusiness and various districts in Bangladesh. For agronomic and molecular assays, thirty pumpkin genotypes along with the standard check were planted following RCBD with three replications at BAU-GPB farm. Whitefly-mediated inoculation in a net house assay determined the Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) under controlled conditions. Tissue Blot Immunoassay (TBIA), using rabbit antiserum specific to PYVMV, showed no cross-reactivity with non-target viruses, with consistent results across TBIA, AUDPC, and molecular assays. Infected younger leaves were collected for virus-specific molecular analyses. Three sets of SSR markers were used to identify genes responsible for PYVMV resistance. PYABFP & PYABRP and PYBHFP & PYBHRP primer sets were capable of producing expected fragment.ToLCV1100F & ToLCV1650R primer sets were used for final confirmation. Genotypes PK2, PK5, and PK17 showed superior performance with higher individual fruit weights, more fruits per vine, higher overall yields, and minimal viral infection compared to the check variety (Baromashi). In contrast, PK1, PK6, PK25, and PK27 exhibited poor yield and related traits. Marker analysis revealed the absence of resistance genes in PK1, PK3, PK4, PK6, PK7, PK8, PK9, PK10, PK11, PK12, PK13, PK14, PK15, PK16, PK18, PK19, PK20, PK21, PK22, PK23, PK24, PK25, PK26, PK27, PK28, PK29, and Baromashi (control), but confirmed the presence of resistance genes in PK2, PK5, and PK17. Consequently, PK2, PK5, and PK17 were recommended as PYVMV-resistant genotypes with high yielding genetic potentiality.