Characterization of viruses associated with mosaic disease of ivy gourd :Coccinia grandis(L.) voigt

Abstract

Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt) is an important vegetable and medicinal plant from the cucurbitaceae family. The fruits are used as a green vegetable, while different parts of the plants are utilized in traditional medicine. However, its production is hampered by many fungal and viral diseases. Kerala is one of the major ivy gourd producing states in India. Viral disease is one of the major constraints faced in cultivation of ivy gourd in Kerala. But no study has been conducted in Kerala to identify and characterize viruses of ivy gourd. Hence, in an endeavor to get the information on the viruses causing mosaic disease on ivy gourd in Kerala, the present study was conducted to identify and characterize the viruses causing mosaic disease of ivy gourd in Kerala. Purposive sampling survey was conducted in ivy gourd growing areas of Palakkad, Malappuram and Thrissur district of Kerala. Highest Percent Disease Incidence (PDI) of mosaic in ivy gourd was recorded from the fields of Kizhakkanchery (100%) in Palakkad district.