Fourth International Bemisia Workshop International Whitefly Genomics Workshop

Wild Germplasm: Plant Resistance for Watermelon

Alvin Simmons¹, Amnon Levi¹, Angela Davis², Kai-shu Ling¹, Rolando Lopez³, D. Michael Jackson¹, Chandrasekar Kousik¹, B. Merle Shepard³, and Judy Thies¹

¹ USDA, ARS, U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA. Correspondence: asimmons@saa.ars.usda.gov

² Coastal Research and Education Center, Clemson, University, Charleston, SC, USA

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) is an important worldwide horticultural crop. In the U.S., the largest production areas are Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, Indiana, and Arizona. Pests and diseases are problematic in the production of this crop. Watermelon is an excellent host for some pests including whiteflies in the Bemisia complex and spidermites. In addition to direct injury from feeding by Bemisia, there is concern about the capacity of this pest to vector diseases. Plant resistance is the most fundamental pest management tool for horticultural crops. However, as verified by the high economic losses, the current level of resistance in commercial watermelon is quite inadequate. We have been conducting research to improve the cultivated watermelon against attack by selected pests and diseases. We have identified germplasm from some wild Citrullus sources to have improved resistance to Bemisia and other pests, and we are working to incorporate resistance into advanced breeding lines.

PREVIOUS Population genetics of Bemisia tabaci Biotypes B and Q from the Mediterranean and the U.S. inferred using microsatellite markers

NEXT Biologically Based Management of Whiteflies in Greenhouse Vegetable Production