Watermelon production in the southeastern U.S. is subject to severe crop losses due to several viruses, including squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV). Gene expression analysis of a resistant breeding line by the Kousik group at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory Charleston SC, indicated potential involvement of a variety of defensive responses including inhibition of virus movement, […]
Kousik Lab @ USDA-ARS
Shaker Kousik is a project leader at the USDA-ARS Vegetable Lab in Charleston, S.C. Mihir Mandal and Jennifer Ikerd are members of the Kousik Lab.
Plant Health 2024
Melon Team | 2024 Progress Report
Watermelon Team | 2024 Progress Report
Integrated Disease Management Team | 2024 Progress Report
CucCAP scientists develop a super-pangenome for watermelon
A super-pangenome was constructed to represent the entire watermelon gene repertoire, uncovering several disease resistance genes that are present in wild watermelons while completely lost in watermelon cultivars.
USDA grant includes strategies for pest control
Clemson University scientists are studying watermelon production methods to develop strategies to improve productivity and profitability of organic vegetables. Funding for the project is provided by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant to address challenges such as crop nutrition management and controlling diseases and weeds in organic vegetable production.
CucCAP watermelon team | super-pangenome for watermelon
Scientists have constructed a comprehensive ‘super-pangenome’ for watermelon and its wild relatives, uncovering beneficial genes lost during domestication that could improve disease resistance and fruit quality of this vital fruit crop.
