We identified QTLs associated with gummy stem blight resistance in an interspecific F2:3 Citrullus population and developed marker assays for selection of the loci in watermelon.
Fei Lab @ BTI
Xin Wang, Kan Bao, Yang Bai, Chen Jiao & Zhangjun Fei are affiliated with the Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, USA. The Boyce Thompson Institute is an independent research institute devoted to using plant sciences to improve agriculture, protect the environment, and enhance human health.
Genomics and Bioinformatics Team | 2020 CucCAP Progress Report
Cucurbit Genomic Team members include Zhangjun Fei (Boyce Thompson Institute), Umesh Reddy (West Virginia St. Univ.), Amnon Levi (USDA, ARS), Yiqun Weng (USDA, ARS), Michael Mazourek (Cornell University), Pat Wechter (USDA, ARS), and Rebecca Grumet (Michigan State University). In closely working with Cornell Genomic Diversity Facilty, the team has set up the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) platform for the cucurbit species and have established a GBS data analysis pipeline based on TASSEL-GBS.
CucCAP #1 Melon Publications
PAG XXVIII
PAG brings together over 3,000 leading genetic scientists and researchers in plant and animal research, and over 130 exhibits, 150 workshops, 1100 posters and over 1800 abstracts.
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.
Presentations by CucCAP Scientists at PAG XXVIII
CucCAP participants at PAG XXVIII include cucurbit breeders and genomic scientists. The cucurbit session organizers are Amnon Levi and Patrick Wechter. Presenters include Zhangjun Fei, Rebecca Grumet, Ben N. Mansfeld, Yiqun Weng, Sandra E. Branham, Shaker Kousik, Amnon Levi, and Patrick Wechter, and Umesh Reddy.
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.
Harvesting Genes to Improve Watermelons | Seed World Daily
Earlier this year, Fei, Levi and colleagues published a reference genome of the “Charleston Gray” watermelon, the principle U.S. variety of C. lanatus to complement the East Asian “97103” genome.
