Bazgha Zia is a postdoctoral researcher at the United States Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, S.C. Bazgha’s research includes the development of virus resistant genetic material in cucurbits and identification of novel virus strains.
Author: cuccap
Cucurbit Downy Mildew updates Sept. 18, 2023 | ipmPIPE
Cucumber downy mildew on cucumber was reported in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts between August 25 and September 12, 2023. CDM was reported on squash in N.C.
Sequencing watermelon reveals disease-resistance genes bred out generations ago
Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute in Ithaca, New York, have analyzed genomes of watermelon and its ancestors, revealing traits that early breeders may have inadvertently removed in their quest to maximize the red, sweet, watery flesh of the fruit. Their report appears in Plant Biotechnology Journal.
Whitefly management in Melons | Fall 2023
In September 2023, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Integrated Pest Management specialists published a list of pesticides and the relative efficacy index of each product on adult and nymph whiteflys.
Michigan Cucurbit update | September 6, 2023
Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative #47 | call for papers
Editors of the Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative are now accepting reports for CGC #47. Reports or manuscripts should be submitted by February 15th, 2024. The CGC committee seeks assistant editors for future CGC reports.
Super-pangenome for watermelon and its wild relatives
“The super-pangenome provides a valuable genetic toolkit for breeders and researchers to improve cultivated watermelon,” said Fei. “By understanding the genetic makeup and evolutionary patterns of watermelons, we can develop varieties with enhanced yield, increased disease resistance, and improved adaptability.”
The “super-pangenome” for watermelon and its wild relatives, the researchers hope, will uncover beneficial genes lost during domestication. Traits of interest affect seeds; rind thickness; fruit size, shape, texture, and sweetness; and improving disease resistance, which might lessen reliance on agrochemicals.
CDM confirmed on squash in Johnson County, N.C.
This disease was confirmed on squash in Johnson County, North Carolina on August 25, 2023. Disease incidence was approximately 15% and the affected leaves showed 45% disease severity.
