Scientists at the USDA, ARS, U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, SC evaluated the USDA, ARS citron watermelon germplasm collection for flowering time and fruit yield traits under field conditions over two years. They used a “genome-wide association study (GWAS)” to detect genomic regions and molecular (DNA) markers associated with flowering time and fruit yield traits. The new molecular markers will be useful in improving watermelon varieties for early flowering and maturity and yield performance via marker-assisted breeding.
Author: cuccap
Squash and Zucchini variety trials | 2023 Hall Field Days
The 2023 Hall, New York Field Days gave us a chance to see new squash and zucchini varieties. View videos from the annual trials with seed breeders talking about several squash and zucchini varieties perfect for growers. View a slideshow of short video descriptions of each.
Cucumber Disease Survey 2023
CucCAP Agricultural and Resource Economics Extension Specialist Dr. Daniel Tregeagle invites commercial cucumber growers to participate in this 30 minute survey.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | Oct. 18, 2023
In Central Florida, reports indicate incidence of Cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) is increasing and Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) incidence is very low.
In Southwest Florida, CuLCrV, Squash Vein Yellowing Virus and Cucurbit Yellow Stunting Disorder Virus were diagnosed. Gummy stem blight was reported on watermelons in older watermelon fields.
In Southwest Florida, Very low infestation levels of Cucurbit Downy Mildew were reported by field scouts.
South Florida pest and disease hotline | Oct. 8, 2023
Florida extension agents reported low to moderate levels of whiteflies on cucurbit crops in several regions. Whiteflies are vectors of several cucurbit viruses.
South Florida Whitefly Population update
Early Career Scientist Spotlight | Kelly Avila
Kelly Avila is a Post Doctoral Researcher and works with CucCAP Plant Pathologist Dr. Lina Quesada in the Vegetable Pathology Lab at NC State University. She chose to work in the Quasada lab because of the focus on Extension, integrated disease management, and genomics.
CucCAP scientists evaluate disease forecasting models for downy mildew control in cucumber
Cucurbit downy mildew is a major threat for pickling cucumber production requiring frequent fungicide applications.
