Biological, Serological and Molecular Characterization of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) Infecting Cucurbita moschata (Duchene ex. Poir) (Summer Squash) in Itu and Uyo Local Governments Areas, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Cucurbita moschata is an edible member of the family Cucurbitaceae. The plant is commonly observed showing typical virus-like symptoms during the growing season in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A total of 7 leaf samples showing typical virus-like symptoms were collected from C. moschata in different locations in Itu and Uyo Local Government, Akwa Ibom State. All the virus isolates used in this study were sap transmissible with a wide host range. The virus isolates irrespective of the place of collection were transmitted in a fore-gut manner by A. spiraecola. Aphis citricida did not transmit the viruses. All the virus isolates reacted positively to cucumovirus polyclonal antibody in antigen coated plate-ELISA (ACP-ELISA). Gel electrophoresis of the cDNA of the virus isolates produced 500 base pairs typical of Cucumber mosaic virus. The gene sequence analysis revealed that all the isolates had sequence homology of 95% and above with Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and are therefore considered strains of CMV. The results also showed that CMV isolates investigated in this study shared common ancestry, though belonging to different clusters. The results also indicated that CMV could be widespread and therefore a threat to C. moschata production in Itu and Uyo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. This is the first report of CMV infecting C. moschata in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Further work should be carried out to cover the entire state.