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Viral Infection In Watermelon: Safe to Eat Watermelon with Rings?

There’s no doubt that watermelon is a delicious fruit, but it’s also highly susceptible to viral infections. Some of you might have seen some weird circles on the peels of watermelons. The size and area covered by the circles may vary, but they typically significantly impact the look. The virus that causes this condition is the viral infection In watermelon or watermelon spiral viral infection.

In This Article

Is there a viral infection in watermelon

Yes, watermelon gets viral infections. Watermelon is infected by two primary potyviruses: watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV).

WMV is the cause of one of the earliest cucurbit mosaic virus illnesses, but ZYMV only became a severe cucurbit pathogen in the late 1970s, causing substantial yield losses.

Outside of cucurbits, WMV infects a variety of weeds and crops, but ZYMV has a more limited host range. Aphids efficiently transmit both in a nonpersistent way, resulting in quick and severe outbreaks in the fields.

Watermelon mosaic virus safe to eat?

Watermelon mosaic virus safe to eat

Watermelon mosaic virus may cause a variety of unusual growth patterns. This is particularly true for plant-borne illnesses.

Watermelon with ring formation on the skin commonly carries this virus. Although the circular patterns on the exterior of the rind can be rather stunning, they are usually only found there.

Watermelon fruit is healthy to eat; many people will refuse to buy a fruit that looks like this. If the plant is seriously affected, photosynthesis in the leaves may be reduced, resulting in less sugar and sweeter fruit.

Viral infection in watermelon rings on a watermelon is harmless to humans, as are almost all plant diseases.

Watermelon Mosaic virus Symptoms

The watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) is a virus that can cause severe crop damage and is currently causing a major outbreak in the United States. Here are some of the most common symptoms of WMV infection:

  1. Small, watermelon-like fruit that is distorted and has sunken spots
  2. Leaves that are yellow, red, or purple and have a spotted pattern
  3. Stunted growth and reduced yield
  4. Swelling of the plant’s leaves and fruit
  5. Brown patches on the leaves or fruit

Can you get a viral infection from watermelon?

There is less chance that you could get a viral infection from watermelon, but it is extremely rare. The virus that can be transmitted from watermelon to humans is called Citrullus, and it is usually caused by eating contaminated fruit or vegetables.

Symptoms of this virus include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you are infected, you may experience difficulty breathing, and your white blood cell count may increase. However, the vast majority of people who are infected with Citrullosis do not develop any severe symptoms.

Tips to Stay safe: viral rings on a watermelon

Here are some tips to help you stay safe when consuming watermelon:

  1. Wash your hands before and after eating watermelon – This is essential for preventing cross-contamination.
  2. Avoid sharing food with others – This is especially important for food items that are susceptible to viral infections, like watermelon.
  3. Cook your watermelon properly – Don’t microwave or eat it raw. Instead, cook it until it’s soft and slightly browned, as this will help to reduce the chances of getting sick from the fruit.
  4. Store your watermelon in a cool, dry place – If you don’t intend to eat it right away, store it in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and animals.

How to Pick a Sweet watermelon Every time

How to pick sweet watermelon

Find a spot in the field that is orange and creamy. The deeper yellow field spot indicates that the fruit has been on the plant for a longer period of time and is thus more tasty. If the field spot on the melon is white, it’s not quite ready to eat. The presence of larger “webbing” or “sugar spots” indicates that the melon is oozing sugar and is typically indicative of sweet melon.

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References

  1. Watermelon Mosaic Virus – an overview 
  2. Food safety in Thailand 1: it is safe to eat watermelon and durian in Thailand
  3. Can Plant Virus Infect Human Being?

Dr Maria

MD. Board Certified physician. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Graduated from AIIMS – All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA

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