First report of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus and other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda

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dc.contributor.authorMasika, Fred Bwayo
dc.contributor.authorMahipal, S. K.
dc.contributor.authorAlicai, T.
dc.contributor.authorShimelis, H.
dc.contributor.authorDdamulira, G.
dc.contributor.authorAthman, S. Y.
dc.contributor.authorIpulet, P.
dc.contributor.authorOsingada, F.
dc.contributor.authorSalman, F. A.
dc.contributor.authorTugume, A. K.
dc.date.accessioned2025-08-11T11:31:49Z
dc.date.available2025-08-11T11:31:49Z
dc.date.issued2025-05-15
dc.descriptionThis paper addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: By highlighting the viral threats to watermelon production, which is a significant fruit and cash crop in Uganda, the study underscores the importance of ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture; SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Controlling plant viruses and reducing crop losses contribute indirectly to better nutrition and health outcomes by maintaining the availability of nutritious fruits like watermelon; SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: The research emphasizes the need for sustainable disease management practices in crop cultivation, promoting responsible use of resources and minimizing crop losses due to viral infections; SDG 15 – Life on Land: Protecting crops from pests and diseases supports sustainable land use and biodiversity within agricultural systems.
dc.description.abstractThis 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.
dc.description.sponsorshipInternational Foundation for Science, Grant/Award Number: 1-1-C-6140-2
dc.identifier.citationMasika, F. B., Mahipal, S. K., Alicai, T., Shimelis, H., Ddamulira, G., Athman, S. Y., ... & Tugume, A. K. (2025). First report of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus and other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda. New Disease Reports, 51(2), e70036.
dc.identifier.issn2044-0588
dc.identifier.urihttps://dir.muni.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12260/760
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherNew Disease Report
dc.subjectHigh throughput sequencing
dc.subjectPepo aphid-borne yellows virus
dc.titleFirst report of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus and other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda
dc.typeArticle

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