Fusarium wilt (FW) and papaya ring-spot virus-watermelon strain (PRSV-W) are important diseases of watermelon, causing serious damage to the crop. Multiple disease screens of the USDA watermelon germplasm collection have highlighted the value of wild type watermelons as a source for enhancing resistance to diseases in modern watermelon cultivars. The CucCAP team at the USDA, […]
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CucCAP researchers provide information about susceptibility of commercial watermelon varieties to powdery mildew
The occurrence of powdery mildew of watermelon has significantly increased in recent years. While the majority of the watermelon varieties evaluated in South Carolina were susceptible to powdery mildew, the seedless variety Suprema and seeded variety Declaration were relatively less susceptible and the commercial pollenizers Lion, SP5 and SP6 were resistant across three years of testing. Because of the frequent […]
CucCAP scientists co-led the development of an improved ‘97103’ watermelon genome and resequencing of 414 watermelon accessions
Watermelon has been domesticated for more than 4000 years and modern sweet watermelons have been selected to carry large fruits with crisp, non-bitter and sweet flesh. The CucCAP team has co-led an international effort to generate an improved watermelon ‘97103’ reference genome and resequence 414 accessions from the seven extant Citrullus species.
CucCAP Researchers Map New Source of Resistance to Bacterial Fruit Blotch in Watermelon
Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) of cucurbits caused by Acidovorax citrulli has the potential to devastate production of watermelon and other cucurbits. Despite decades of research, no watermelon germplasm has been found with immunity, and only a few sources with various levels of resistance have been identified.
CucCAP Pathologists Provide Growers with Tools for Cucurbit Disease Management
CucCAP Vegetable Pathologists provide cucurbit producers with techniques for cucurbit disease management and connect growers with research seeking new solutions for cucurbit diseases. The extension team is a network of University Extension specialists, members of their labs and Extension Agents who work with growers from across each state. Extension Agent Training When cucurbit crops are threatened by […]
2018 Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Annual Report
The Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative (CGC) was established in 1977 to develop and advance the genetics of economically important cucurbits. CucCAP Team members have contributed many articles to the Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative throughout the years. Members of the CucCAP Team contributing to CGC report#41 for 2018 include authors Todd Wehner and Jim McCreight along with editors, Amnon Levi and Linda Wessel-Beaver.
CucCAP scientists release genome of principal American watermelon cultivar and genetically characterize the National Plant Germplasm System watermelon collection
Years of selection for desirable fruit quality traits in dessert watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) has resulted in a narrow genetic base in modern cultivars. Development of novel genomic and genetic resources offers great potential to expand genetic diversity and improve important traits in watermelon. The CucCAP team has developed a high‐quality genome sequence for the principal […]
Harnessing Genomics for Disease Resistance in Cucumbers, Melons and Squashes | Scientia
Cucurbits are an important source of food worldwide and are economically important. These crops experience a high level of disease pressures from a suite of common diseases. Through genomic studies collaborators in the CucCAP project aim to bring disease-resistant cucumbers, melons, squash and watermelon to farmers and hence ensure greater food sustainability into the future. […]
