The National Watermelon Association remains committed to fostering practical, impactful research that addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities facing watermelon growers, shippers, and the broader supply chain. This year’s RFP continues to prioritize applied research with a direct benefit to watermelon production, handling, and food safety. In particular, the NWA welcomes proposals in areas such […]
CucCAP Project
Contributions to the CucCAP project by the Bioinformatics Team, Cucurbit Crop Breeding Teams, and the Integrated Disease Management Team.
CucCAP scientist and colleagues review genetics of resistance to major diseases in squash and pumpkin
Many sources of resistance to diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, Phytophthora rot, and aphid and whitefly transmitted viruses have been identified in related Cucurbita species. Geoffrey Meru and colleagues at University of Florida review the use of genomic tools to identify genetic loci conferring resistance to facilitate more efficient deployment of these materials for breeding.
CucCAP scientists collaborate to develop diagnostic guide for fusarium rot of pumpkin and winter squash
Fusarium rot is an important soil-borne disease impacting production and storage of pumpkins and winter squash. A new guide has been published to facilitate diagnosis of this disease by outlining taxonomy, symptoms, isolation, and epidemiology of the disease, and providing morphologic and PCR-based methods to identify the pathogen.
CucCAP scientists study basis for resistance to squash vein yellowing virus resistance in watermelon
Watermelon production in the southeastern U.S. is subject to severe crop losses due to several viruses, including squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV). Gene expression analysis of a resistant breeding line by the Kousik group at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory Charleston SC, indicated potential involvement of a variety of defensive responses. These findings can assist further functional studies and the development of SqVYV-resistant watermelon cultivars.
CucCAP scientist documents emergence of new melon and watermelon virus in southwestern U.S.
Researchers studied the new mosaic symptomology and foliar distortion of new growth observed in Arizona and California on melon and watermelon.
CucCAP scientists contribute to international effort to develop genomic search engine for horticultural crops
Dr. Wang and collaborating scientists contribute to an international effort to develop a genomic search engine for horticultural crops.
CucCAP scientists explore biorational fungicides to manage powdery mildew on winter squash
Dr. Elizabeth Indermaur and colleagues at Cornell University describe the concern about the increase on consumer demand for organic winter squash and experiments that evaluatie different fungicide alternatives including biologicals, botanicals, and minerals.
Early Career Scientist Spotlight | Sarah Cochran-Murray
Sarah Cochran-Murray is a PhD candidate working with CucCAP Plant Pathologist Dr. Lina Quesada-Ocampo in the Vegetable Pathology Lab at North Carolina State University’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, as well as the NC Plant Sciences Initiative.
