An extreme outbreak of a cucurbit virus has damaged an estimated 20% of watermelon growing areas across Israel. The Agricultural Natural Disaster Insurance Fund has authorized the destruction of about 1,000 dunams (247 acres) of affected fields, with further losses expected, according to Ma'ayan Parati reporting on N12.
The outbreak has escalated significantly since initial reports earlier today. At 14:13, The Zioneer reported KAN News' estimate of 10% of watermelon fields damaged. Now, N12 correspondent Ma'ayan Parati reports the figure has risen to 20%, and the Agricultural Natural Disaster Insurance Fund has formally authorized destruction of 1,000 dunams. The virus, described as an extreme cucurbit virus, affects melons and related crops. While the specific pathogen has not been publicly identified by name, the damage is concentrated in watermelon fields nationwide. Farmers face the prospect of further losses if the outbreak continues. The fund's approval of destruction suggests official recognition of significant agricultural damage, though the long-term impact on the season's watermelon supply and prices remains unclear.
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