Project Number: 6618-22000-034-14
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 30, 2008
End Date: Aug 31, 2011

Objective:
To determine and characterize factors associated with the dispersal and development of the whitefly-transmitted viral disease watermelon vine decline, as well as two emerging viral diseases cucurbit leaf crumple and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder, and develop a regional decision support system for managing them.

Approach:
Perform intensive field surveys of commercial cucurbit, tomato, and other vegetable crops in southwest Florida to characterize the temporal and spatial pattern of whiteflies, and identify reservoirs of Squash vein yellowing virus, Cucurbit leaf crumple virus, and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus. Use the spatial information to identify factors that contribute to their increase and determine how they may impact management. Develop the tools necessary to delivery real-time forecasts (decision support system) of virus incidence and whitefly density to the industry. Improve understanding of whitefly transmission of SqVYV by examining the interaction of plant age, time of infection, and virus distribution, and whitefly acquisition and transmission of SqVYV. Specialty Crops Research Initiative.