A super-pangenome was constructed to represent the entire watermelon gene repertoire, uncovering several disease resistance genes that are present in wild watermelons while completely lost in watermelon cultivars.
CucCAP Project
Contributions to the CucCAP project by the Bioinformatics Team, Cucurbit Crop Breeding Teams, and the Integrated Disease Management Team.
Early Career Scientist Spotlight | Bazgha Zia
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.
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.
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.
CucCAP scientists find high prevalence of gummy stem blight resistance to common fungicides
The gummy stem blight fungus, Stagonosporopsis citrulli, is now resistant to fungicides in four chemical classes. The newest resistance is to fungicides in FRAC Code 3.
Cucumber field trials 2023
The Vegetable Pathology Lab at NC State conducts field trials each growing season to study plant pathogens, resistance of plant varieties to pathogens, and vegetable disease management strategies. When a field trial is harvested, the crop is weighed, graded, and evaluated for disease damage and marketability.
CucCAP watermelon team | super-pangenome for watermelon
Scientists have constructed a comprehensive ‘super-pangenome’ for watermelon and its wild relatives, uncovering beneficial genes lost during domestication that could improve disease resistance and fruit quality of this vital fruit crop.
