Researchers in Dr. Mary Hausbeck’s group at MSU have developed a highly sensitive DNA-based protocol to genetically distinguish between spores of cucumber downy mildew and hop downy mildew from spore trap samples. The enhanced sensitivity enables detection 5-10 days before symptoms appear in cucumber fields, providing a broader window for initiation of chemical control.
CucCAP Project
Contributions to the CucCAP project by the Bioinformatics Team, Cucurbit Crop Breeding Teams, and the Integrated Disease Management Team.
CucCAP researchers compile analysis of genetic resources and vulnerabilities for cucurbit crops
Germplasm collections maintained by the US National Plant Germplasm System and those of other countries are critical sources of diversity utilized by breeders for crop improvement. This review summarizes status of collections and vulnerabilities for cucurbit crops.
CucCAP 2021 Annual Report
The Cucumber, Melon, Squash, Watermelon, Genomics, and Integrated Disease mamagement teams met with project stakeholders in October 2021 to report on CucCAP grant activities and present the 2021 Annual CucCAP Team Report.
Early Career Scientist Spotlight | Gregory Vogel
This pHD candidate’s CucCAP grant research focused on developing squash breeding lines with some Phytophthora blight resistance and mapping genes involved in disease resistance. His other focus was pathogen population genetics. In CucCAP1 the squash team sequenced and characterized isolates of the causal agent, Phytophthora capsici, from around New York and mapped genes in the pathogen associated with mating type, fungicide resistance, and virulence.
Squash Team | 2021 Progress Report
Early Career Scientist Spotlight | Luis Rivera-Burgos
Luis Rivera-Burgos worked on breeding watermelon for gummy stem blight resistance with Dr. Todd Wehner on the first CucCAP project. Their research focused on the evaluation of resistance to Gummy Stem Blight in a population of recombinant inbred lines of watermelon x Citron.
Cultivar selection key factor in managing Fusarium wilt
2021 CucCAP Watermelon Team Publications and Presentations
Watermelon Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, Pathology, and Disease Management Publications & Presentations
