Viruses of cucurbit crops: current status in the Mediterranean Region

Cucurbits are among the most cultivated crops, and economically important species melon (Cucumis melo L.), cucumber sativus watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.), squash (Cucurbita pepo pumpkin spp.). These crops have become income sources providing export local consumption commodities in many Mediterranean countries. Increased area of cucurbits has led to emergence several viral diseases, which can impacts on crop production threaten agricultural sustainability. An overview damaging cucurbit viruses is provided improve understanding diseases they cause emphasize effective disease management strategies. updating geographical distribution these viruses, symptoms their means transmission also provided. Disease methods measures by farmers phytosanitary authorities address virus outbreaks outlined, including diagnostics, use tolerant cultivars, chemical biological vector control. region learned lessons from pandemics caused through extensive published research, this review provides a basis for managing future newly emerging infections.