A Strain of Melon Mosaic Virus on Cucurbita Moschata Duchesne in New Guinea.

Abstract

The virus attacking Cucurbita moschata Duchesne at Keravat, New Britain, is a strain of melon mosaic virus. The host range is restricted to the systemic infection of Cucurbitaceae, including Trichosanthes anguina L. and local lesion reaction on Chenopodium amaranticolor Coste et Reyn. The thermal inactivation point lies oetiveen 57 and 60 degrees C. for an exposure of 10 minutes, dilution end point between 10‘3 and 10'4, and longevity in vitro, 72 to 96 hours. The virus is sap transmissible and is also transmitted by an aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover.