Stylet oil provides limited control of aphid-transmitted viruses in melons

Aphid-borne viruses pose a significant threat to California melon growers. Insecticides can kill aphids, but do not prevent the rapid virus transmission. In seven field trials conducted in Davis and the Central Valley, we studied the efficacy of JMS Stylet Oil in reducing the spread and incidence of aphid-transmitted viruses. Stylet oil reduced the incidence and spread of aphid-transmitted viruses when inoculum pressure was low. However, when inoculum pressure was high, the oil did not reduce virus spread to tolerable levels, but delayed initial infection to some degree.