Can Old Cucumber Plants Spread a Devastating Virus to New Crops?
Cucurbit Aphid-Borne Yellows Virus (CABYV) posed a challenge to cucumber growers in the western Netherlands during spring and summer 2024. Suspicions arose that reusing substrate slabs might be linked to the virus’s spread. This idea prompted a closer look at the issue.
Dual Outbreaks and Shifting Patterns
Researchers observed CABYV infection in both the first and second cucumber crops. In 2021 and 2022, the virus was mainly concentrated in southern Netherlands, while 2023 witnessed relatively few outbreaks. These fluctuating patterns highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and preventative measures.
Aphids: The Primary Culprits
CABYV is transmitted primarily by aphids, particularly cotton aphids, which are highly efficient vectors. Studies conducted in 2021 and 2022 ruled out whitefly transmission and determined that the offspring of cotton aphids cannot carry the virus. However, adult cotton aphids can infect cucumber plants for up to three weeks after acquiring the virus. This, coupled with the fact that flying cotton aphids can spread the virus between plants, makes them a constant threat.
A New Study Investigates Substrate Transmission
Seeking to understand if infected root residues within reused substrate could transmit CABYV, researchers conducted a greenhouse trial. The results of this study could lead to new strategies for growers to prevent infections from spreading from old crops to new ones via the substrate. This holds significant implications for improved crop protection.
This study was carried out by the Control in Food & Flowers Foundation. Funding and coordination were provided by the innovation program The New Doing in Plant Health of Kennis in je Kas (KijK). The Crop Cooperative Cucumber contributed support, and growers actively participated in supervising the trial.
View the research report here.
Index photos: infection CABY virus, photos Bayer
Publication Date: Thu 5 Dec 2024
You state that CABYV outbreaks were previously concentrated in the south but are now spreading. What evidence points to this shift in geographic distribution of the virus? [[1](https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mra.01448-18)]
It seems you’ve provided information about Cucurbit Aphid-Borne Yellows Virus (CABYV), but the search result you’ve included focuses on Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). These are two different viruses affecting cucumber plants.
To help you craft your interview, I can offer some guidance based on the CABYV information you’ve provided.
**Interview Outline:**
**Headline:** Can Old Cucumber Plants Spread a Devastating New Virus to Fresh Crops?
**Introduction:**
* Welcome your guest, introducing them as a cucumber farming expert or researcher familiar with CABYV.
**Questions:**
1. **The Newsroom:** “We’re hearing about a concerning new virus, CABYV, impacting cucumber growers in the Netherlands. Can you tell us more about it and its effects on cucumber crops?”
2. **The Dilemma:** “There’s concern that reusing growing materials, like substrate slabs, might spread this virus. What’s the evidence suggesting this connection, and what are the implications for growers?”
3. **The Pattern:** “You mentioned that CABYV outbreaks were concentrated in the south in previous years but are now spreading. What might be driving this shift in the virus’s presence?”
4. **Looking Ahead:** “What steps can cucumber farmers take to protect their crops from CABYV? Are there any new research developments or management strategies that offer hope?”
5. **The Future:** “Given these challenges, how optimistic are you about the future of cucumber farming in the face of this emerging threat?”
**Conclusion:**
* Thank your guest for their insights and expertise.
**Additional Tips:**
* **Engagement:** Encourage your guest to use vivid language and real-world examples to engage listeners.
* **Solutions:** Focus on both the problems posed by CABYV and potential solutions for growers.
Let me know if you have any further questions or would like me to elaborate on these points! I’m here to help you create a compelling interview.
