Enhancing melon tolerance to Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus using defense activator.

Melon (Cucumis melo) is considered a valuable agricultural crop in terms of nutrition and economy. However, viral diseases pose a serious threat to melon production. This study investigates the importance of using defense activator to reduce the impact of viruses on melon yield and quality. Elicitors and polyethylene mulch were used as defense activator to increase plant tolerance to viruses. Agricultural plots in the Abravan region of Mashhad were prepared, and treatments included the use of mulch and elicitors at different stages of melon plant growth. Leaf samples were collected from symptomatic plants, and RNA was extracted from the leaf tissues. Duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (dRT-PCR) was used to simultaneously identify Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV). The percentage of viral symptoms in the plants across the treatment groups was analyzed. The results showed the presence of CABYV and CYSDV in different treatments. Treatment with elicitors and polyethylene mulch significantly reduced the severity of mosaic and yellowing symptoms in melon plants at the seedling and 2-4 leaf stages. Additionally, this treatment increased crop yield per hectare and prevented infection by CABYV and CYSDV. The findings suggest that the combination of elicitors and polyethylene mulch can be an effective strategy to reduce viral symptoms and increase crop yield in melon cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]