In a recent study, CucCAP researchers used a digital imaging technology to evaluate the root systems in 335 watermelon accessions.
CucCAP Watermelon Team
Watermelon Team contributions to the CucCAP grant including, publications, presentations, and updates about the team’s genomic, breeding and disease management efforts.
Watermelon Team | 2020 CucCAP Progress Report
CucCAP Watermelon Team Members include Amnon Levi, Patrick Wechter, Shaker Kousik, Kai-shu Ling (USDA, ARS), Todd Wehner (NC State) and Cecilia McGregor (UGA). Overall objectives include identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to major and emerging diseases, developing useful molecular markers and utilizing the genomic tools to incorporate resistance into watermelon cultivars. Major diseases on watermelon include Fusarium wilt, Gummy stem blight, Powdery mildew, Phytophthora fruit rot, Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and Cucumber green motile mosaic virus (CGMMV).
CucCAP #1 Watermelon Publications and Presentations
Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, and disease management publications and presentations for watermelon from the CucCAP team.
CucCAP researchers identify genetic loci conferring resistance to Fusarium wilt race 2 and Papaya ring-spot virus-watermelon strain (PRSV-W)
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. CucCAP researchers collaborated with Sakata Seed America on generating genetic populations and on conducting genetic analyses to identify genetic loci that confer resistance to Fusarium wilt and papaya ring-spot virus.
CucCAP researchers provide information about susceptibility of commercial watermelon varieties to powdery mildew
The seedless watermelon variety Suprema and seeded variety Declaration were relatively less susceptible to powdery mildew. The commercial pollenizers Lion, SP5 and SP6 were resistant across three years of testing.
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.
The Science Behind a Favorite Summertime Treat | USDA
In a long-term study, a research team led by ARS geneticist Amnon Levi at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory collaborated with scientists at the Boyce Thompson Institute to unlock the genome of “Charleston Gray.”
