Surveys were conducted in the fall of 2019 and 2020 and spring of 2021 in the cucurbit production region in southern Georgia. The prevalence of viruses in the cucurbits was studied using high throughput sequencing (HTS) of small RNAs from symptomatic samples collected from commercial fields. Viruses identified by HTS, were further validated by molecular assays to determine their distribution. The newly identified cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV; genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviride) was consistently detected along with cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) in the region. All three viruses were more widely distributed in Georgia than previously assumed and were detected in cucumber, cantaloupe, squash, and zucchini. CCYV was detected in 60%, CuLCrV in 76%, and CYSDV in 43% of the total samples (n = 820) tested. Most samples tested were coinfected with at least two viruses. Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.), a common weed in the southeastern USA, was found to harbor and transmit CCYV to cucurbit hosts. Whitefly-transmitted viruses were not detected in the spring-grown cantaloupe and watermelon, although these crops get infected with WTVs when grown in the fall. However, watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus 1 (WCLaV-1) and three persistent, asymptomatic RNA viruses were identified on melons in Georgia: cucumis melo endornavirus (CmEV), cucumis melo amalgavirus (CmAV1), and cucumis melo cryptic virus (CmCV). Further studies are also required to understand the biology and impact of this virus on watermelon production and other crops, if any.
