A costly but effective option for watermelon producers hoping to overcome fusarium wilt disease is the use of Carolina Strongback rootstock.
Grafted watermelon
2023 Fusarium Wilt experiment
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath. This year’s Fusarium wilt experiment includes 3 seedless cultivars, 3 fungicide treatments applied via drip irrigation, and grafting. preliminary results are based on disease development 10 weeks after transplanting.
Research Updates on Georgia Cucurbits
Cucurbit production in Georgia is affected annually by a variety of pests and diseases. Two diseases in particular, fusarium wilt and cucurbit anthracnose, have been a cause of concern for the last five years.
More Ways to Manage Fusarium Wilt | VSCNews
Five years ago, there was no solid foundation for managing Fusarium wilt in watermelons. Now, researchers have identified several techniques watermelon growers can use to help combat the disease.
CucCAP researchers demonstrate the ability of powdery mildew resistant rootstocks to protect susceptible watermelon scion seedlings
The group determined that bottle gourd rootstocks were effective in imparting resistance to the susceptible watermelon scion and released the two bottle gourd rootstocks that were the most effective in conferring resistance.
Watermelon Grafting to Manage Fusarium Wilt | VSC NEWS
Researchers are studying the effects of grafting in watermelon crops to manage a pathogen continuing to cause problems for many Florida growers.
Watermelon cultivar wards off soil-borne diseases
Seedless cultivars might be more susceptible to Fusarium wilt, a major soil-borne disease issue in Florida watermelon production
Grafting increases Chilean-grown watermelon yield, quality – ASHS
Plants presented with fusarium wilt in both experiments, which the researchers said was the “main limitation” for nongrafted plant production. Source: Grafting increases Chilean-grown watermelon yield, quality – ASHS