ABSTRACT
A baixa produtividade e a qualidade dos frutos de melancia estão quase sempre associadas à ocorrência de fitopatogenos, dentre estes destacam as doenças de etiologia viral. Visando o entendimento do complexo vírus/planta de melancia, este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar os danos e sintomas induzidos pelos vírus PRSV-W, CMV, ZYMV e WMV, quando inoculados em plantas de melancia, cv. 'Crimson sweet', aos 5, 12 e 19 dias após a emergência (DAE). Os vírus PRSV-W, CMV, ZYMV e WMV influenciaram significativamente (p<0,05) na redução do peso da matéria fresca da parte aérea, na coloração da polpa e redução no peso dos frutos da melancia. Assim como, no teor de sólidos solúveis (ºBrix). Sendo mais significativa em plantas inoculadas com CMV. De modo geral, os vírus PRSV-W, WMV, CMV e ZYMV afetaram o desenvolvimento, a produção da planta da melancia e consequentemente, limita a qualidade do fruto.
Watermelon is one of the most important vegetables grown in Brazil. However, there are several factors responsible for low productivity of crops. Among these stands out the occurrence of associated virus culture. Thus, this study aimed to assess the damage and symptoms of PRSV-W, CMV, ZYMV and WMV inoculated at 5, 12 and 19 days after emergence (DAE). According to the results, PRSV-W viruses, CMV, ZYMV and WMV influenced significantly (p <0.05) reduction in the fresh weight of shoots and on pulp and reduction of fruit weight of inoculated plants. As noted on pulp plants inoculated with PRSV-W, at 5 DAE. With regard to the soluble solids content (° Brix) was dramatically reduced by the virus and inoculation period, in this case being more significant fruits of plants inoculated with CMV presented Brix 3.67 to 5.11 depending on the inoculation period. In general, viruses PRSV-W, WMV, CMV, ZYMV and influence the development and consequently the production of watermelon. Thus, an important factor for the reduction in the quality of fruit produced.