Effects of Irrigation Methods and Water Regimes on Occurrences of Cucumo- And Poty- Viruses in Watermelon

Abstract

The response of watermelon to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) under different irrigation methods and water regimes (WRs) was investigated. Watermelon varieties; Kaolak and Sugar baby were irrigated using either sprinkler or basin method of application at 50%, 75% and 100% WRs during the dry season. Results showed that at 3 and 5 weeks after planting (WAP) total irrigation at 100% water regime (WR 100 ) produced the tallest plants with basin irrigation. Mean values of 15.68 cm and 15.85 cm were obtained from Kaolak and Sugar baby respectively with basin irrigation at WR 100 . However, irrigation at WR 50 produced shorter plants with fewer leaves. Complete yield loss was