Studies on the mosaic disease of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.)

Abstract

A mosaic disease of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) caused by a virus, was investigated which was prevalent at Vellayani and nearby localities. The symptoms manifested as mosaic and formation of dark green blisters on the lamina was also observed. The affected leaves were severely reduced in size, variously crinkled and malformed. Growth was retarded and internods were shortened. The infected plants blossom sparingly and set only very few fruits. The affected portions of the leaf were thinner than healthy areas, palisade cells reduced in size and loossly packed. The mesophyll cells contain only few chloroplasts.