A new watermelon line, developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Clemson University scientists, is serving as a solution against major disease and pests of watermelon crops in the southern U.S.
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.
CucCAP scientists release genome of principal American watermelon cultivar and genetically characterize the National Plant Germplasm System watermelon collection
The CucCAP team has developed a high‐quality genome sequence for the principal American dessert watermelon cultivar ‘Charleston Gray’ and genotyped 1365 watermelon PI lines maintained at the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System.
CucCAP research provides new understanding about transmission of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus
A recent study determined that CGMMV is seed-borne, but not seed transmitted through seed germination, and evaluated effectiveness of several detection methods.
Watermelon Team | 2019 CucCAP Progress Report
Watermelon Team members: Amnon Levi (USDA, ARS), Shaker Kousik (USDA, ARS), Kai-shu Ling (USDA, ARS), Cecilia McGregor (Univ. Georgia), Pat Wechter (USDA, ARS), Todd Wehner (North Carolina St. Univ.)
Overall objectives: 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: Gummy stem blight, Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildew, Phytophthora fruit rot, Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and Cucumber green motile mosaic virus (CGMMV).
Charleston Gray watermelon sequenced
The USDA news service posted an article in May 2019 about teamwork among CucCAP scientists on watermelon genomics.
Harvesting Genes to Improve Watermelons | The Global Plant Council
Publications from CucCAP scientists Zhangjun Fei and Amnon Levi were highlighted in a recent article from The Global Plant Council.
CucCAP research identifies novel genetic source of resistance to Fusarium wilt race 1 in wild watermelon
CucCAP scientists at the USDA-ARS, US Vegetable Laboratory identified a major QTL (qFon1-9) associated with resistance to Fon race 1 on chromosome 9.
2019 Watermelon Presentations at Southern Region ASHS
NC State Department of Horticulture Watermelon group and the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture Watermelon Breeding group made presentations at the 83rd Southern Region ASHS Watermelon Research Working Group. Watermelon Variety Trials NC State Extension Specialist Jonathan Schultheis and Research Associate Keith Starke conduct annual variety trials on Melon, Pumpkin, Squash, and Watermelon. The Vegetable […]