Characterization of Blueberry shock virus, an Emerging Ilarvirus in Cranberry.

Blueberry shock virus (BlShV), an Ilarvirus sp. reported only on blueberry, was associated with scarring, disfigurement, and premature reddening of cranberry fruit. BlShV was detected by triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and isometric virions of 25 to 28 nm were observed in cranberry sap.

Bacterial Wilt of Cucurbits: Resurrecting a Classic Pathosystem.

Bacterial wilt threatens cucurbit crop production in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. The pathogen, Erwinia tracheiphila, is a xylem-limited bacterium that affects most commercially important cucurbit species, including muskmelon, cucumber, and squash. Bacterial wilt is transmitted and overwintered by striped and spotted cucumber beetles.