HOST RESISTANCE OF PUMPKIN GERMPLASMS AGAINST MOSAIC DISEASE

Pumpkin common mosaic caused by number of viruses which includes Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Watermelon mosaic virus 2 (WMV2), Papaya ring spot virus-watermelon strain (PRSV-W), and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Pumpkin yellow vein mosaic disease caused by Pumpkin yellow vein mosaic virus (PYVMV) have appeared as the most important, serious and often overwhelming diseases of pumpkin throughout India (FAOSTAT, 2010, Jayashree, 1999). Out of 6 pumpkin germplasms tested, two cultivars were found resistant (R), 2 moderately resistant (MR), and two moderately susceptible (MS). Minimum incidence 17.16 % was recorded from variety Kumra ( a local variety very recently being introduced in this locality) followed by variety Pusa-shrabani 24.28 %. Significant differences among all the varieties were observed in terms of their response to common mosaic disease. Pumpkin variety, Kumra and Pusa-Shrabani can be considered as prominent varieties against common mosaic under the environmental conditions of lateritic zone of West Bengal.