Downy mildew caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis is one of the largest threats to production of melons (Cucumis melo) and other cucurbit crops in the eastern USA. Currently, there are no resistant melon cultivars. Work by CucCAP researchers from Clemson University and USDA-Charleston identified two major and seven minor QTL using a cross between the resistant melon breeding line MR-1 and susceptible cultivar Ananas Yoqne’am. Work is underway to develop KASP markers to facilitate breeding for these QTL and test their association with resistance to Pseudoperonospora cubensis isolates.
For further reading:
- QTL mapping of resistance to Pseudoperonospora cubensis clade 1, mating type A2, in Cucumis melo
Sean M. Toporek, Sandra E. Branham, Melanie L. Katawczik, Anthony P. Keinath & W. Patrick Wechter
Published: May 5, 2021 in Theoretical and Applied Genetics; 134:2577-2586
DOI: 10.1007/s00122-021-03843-w
