An unusual outbreak of a virus affecting watermelon crops has already forced the destruction of about 1,000 dunams of fields across Israel, roughly 10% of the sector’s total growing area. KANAT, the Israel Agricultural Insurance Fund for Natural Disasters, says the damage is worth millions of shekels and warns the total could rise.
The outbreak came on top of weather damage to crops early in the season. This year, the cucurbit virus appeared at a level 5 to 6 times higher than average, according to the fund.
The virus harms the texture and taste of watermelons, but it is not a health risk to consumers. Damage has been reported in several parts of the country, including the Jordan Valley, Lower Galilee, and the Gaza border area.
KANAT fears additional losses may emerge as the harvest season advances, especially in fields that have not yet ripened and have not been fully inspected.
