Browsing by Author "Osingada, F."
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Item First report of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus and other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda(New Disease Report, 2025-05-15) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Mahipal, S. K.; Alicai, T.; Shimelis, H.; Ddamulira, G.; Athman, S. Y.; Ipulet, P.; Osingada, F.; Salman, F. A.; Tugume, A. K.This study reports the first detection of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV) and multiple other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda. Using high-throughput sequencing of leaf samples collected from commercial farms across three districts, we identified six viruses, including MWMV, pepo aphid-borne yellows virus (PABYV), Citrullus lanatus cryptic virus, Cucumis melo cryptic virus, Watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus, and a novel E. coli virus. The complete genome sequences of MWMV and PABYV were obtained, and virus presence was confirmed through RT-PCR. Observations indicated that mixed infections led to more severe symptoms such as mosaic patterns, leaf mottling, and stunting, affecting approximately 30–40% of cultivated plants. These findings underscore the emerging viral challenges in Ugandan watermelon production and emphasize the importance of vigilant disease monitoring and management strategies.