CucCAP scientist Samikshya Rijal is working on watermelon breeding and genetics. Her primary goal is to assist in the development of gummy stem blight (GSB) resistant breeding material.
Gummy stem blight
Extension assists watermelon industry with disease
The week of May 10, one such issue reared its head: Gummy stem blight, a fungal infection that affects the stems and leaves of watermelon plants, was found in several fields.
Gummy Stem Blight a Problem in North Florida Watermelons
Fusarium wilt is not the only disease affecting North Florida watermelons. According to an email alert sent by Suwannee Valley Extension agents, the region’s watermelon crop is undergoing high gummy stem blight pressure. High temperatures and humidity along with rain showers have provided the perfect environment for gummy stem blight.
2021 South Florida Melons Progress
A Florida watermelon producer discusses adverse weather conditions that can increase the crop’s susceptibility to disease.
CucCAP scientists identify QTL associated with gummy stem blight in watermelon
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.
Plethora of Plant Diseases Following Rainy Season for Alabama Producers | VSCNews
“We saw quite a bit of gummy stem blight on watermelons. We also saw downy (mildew) and anthracnose on things like cucumbers as well as pumpkins.”
South Carolina Crop Update | VSCNews
Ontario Vegetable Crop Reports for Sept. 3, 2020
Symptoms of Gummy Stem Blight in winter squash include hot spots of stems with oozing lesions, and distinctive patterns on the skin of butternut squash.