DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CUCURBIT APHID-BORNE YELLOWS VIRUS IN RIDGE GOURD (LUFFA ACUTANGULA): AN EMERGING THREAT TO CUCURBIT PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) is a significant pathogen that threatens cucurbit production globally. This study presents the molecular characterization of CABYV isolates infecting ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) in Pakistan. Field surveys in the Lahore district identified ridge gourd plants showing characteristic polerovirus-like symptoms, including interveinal yellowing and vein thickening, with disease incidence ranging from 10% to 40%.

PCR amplification using polerovirus-specific primers, followed by sequencing, confirmed CABYV infection in 11 of the 19 collected samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Pakistani CABYV isolates clustered closely with isolates from Taiwan and Indonesia, and BLAST analysis indicated more than 90% nucleotide identity with these reference sequences. This study reports the first occurrence of CABYV in ridge gourd in Pakistan and highlights its genetic similarity to Asian isolates. The findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and molecular monitoring to inform the development of effective management strategies against CABYV and other emerging viral threats to cucurbit crops.