Chungnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services Issues Melon Necrotic Spot Virus Alert to Growers

Immediate Removal and Disposal Recommended for Suspected Infections

Chungnam Provincial Government Building. / Provided by Chungnam Province

The Chungnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services announced preventive measures and initial response guidelines on June 10, following recent reports of Melon Necrotic Spot Virus (MNSV) cases in melon cultivation areas within the province.

This virus can be transmitted through seeds, contaminated soil, fungi (Olpidium spp.), or contact with sap from infected plants. In addition, it spreads very rapidly and, once it occurs, is classified as a viral disease that is difficult to control.

In the early stages of infection, small yellowish spots appear on young leaves. As the disease progresses, brown necrotic symptoms develop across the entire leaf, which can ultimately lead to severe damage, including plant death.

Since prevention is especially important for this disease, the use of certified healthy seeds or seedlings is the first priority to block infection.

Any plants suspected of infection must be removed or disposed of immediately to prevent the virus from spreading to nearby plants.

Furthermore, thorough soil disinfection should be carried out before transplanting, and all tools used for farm work such as pruning or training must be disinfected before and after use.

Kwon Mikyung, head of the Watermelon and Melon Team at the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, stated, "Blocking the virus must begin with systematic farm hygiene management, which goes beyond simple control measures," and added, "Only through thorough implementation can we prevent damage, so we ask for the active cooperation of farmers."