Squash Leaf Curl China Virus Associated with Yellow Mosaic Disease on Pumpkin in Bengkulu, Indonesia

Mimi Sutrawati (Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia.)
Ewa Aulia (Balai Karantina Hewan, Ikan, dan Tumbuhan Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.)
Deri Gustian (Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia.)

AGRITROPICA : Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026)

Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) is susceptible to Begomovirus diseases, causing yellow mosaic and yield losses. This study detected and molecularly characterised a Begomovirus from yellow-mosaic-infected pumpkin in Bengkulu Utara, Bengkulu, Indonesia. Total DNA was extracted using the CTAB method and amplified using universal begomovirus primers SPG1/SPG2. PCR produced a ~912 bp amplicon, confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Sanger sequencing and BLASTn analysis showed the highest identity (95.20%, 99% coverage) to Squash leaf curl China Virus (SLCCV; EF197940, Malaysia). Phylogenetic analysis (MEGA X, NJ method) clustered the isolate with SLCCV from Asia (bootstrap 97%). Findings represent the first molecular confirmation of an SLCCV-related Begomovirus on pumpkin in Bengkulu, extending the known Begomovirus diversity (papaya, cucumber, weeds, eggplant) in local agroecosystems. Full genome sequencing is recommended for species demarcation.