Occurrence of Virus in Some Watermelon Growing Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria

A survey was carried out between September to November 2019 in 8 locations of Kwara State noted for watermelon cultivation to determine the incidence, severity, and distribution of viruses infecting watermelon on the field. Thirty leave samples showing symptoms like mosaic, chlorosis, stunting, leaf deformation, and necrosis were collected randomly per each farm and analyzed using antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA). Seven viruses were detected across different locations: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV), Cowpea Mottle Virus (CMeV), Cowpea Mild Mosaic Virus (CPMMV), Southern Bean Mosaic Virus (SBMV), Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV), Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRV). CMV had the highest incidence (100%), followed by CMeV (50%). However, ZYMV and PRV recorded the lowest incidence with 12.5% and 25% respectively. The result also revealed the location with the highest incidence was Agric AJ1 (80%) with the lowest coming from Onireke (35%). The average severity score across the locations was 2.9 with Agric AJ1 and Unilorin having the highest score (4) while Olomu, Eyenkorin, and Lafiaji 1 had the lowest (2). Findings from this research underscore the need to educate farmers on the importance of using resistant cultivars as well as proper cultural practices