Abstract
Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) causes a severe disease of cucurbit crops that incites stunting, chlorosis, deformation, and flower reduction, all resulting in yield loss. In a randomized complete block design, we documented the effect of ZYMV on cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) and showed that inoculation with this virus during vegetative and early flowering stages caused 94 and 76% reduction of marketable fruit, respectively. Plants inoculated after fruit set and healthy control plants produced a comparable number of marketable fruit. Fruit quality, as indicated by fruit size and percentage of soluble solids, was reduced by ZYMV infection during vegetative and early flowering stages but not when plants were infected after fruit set.