Scientists work to develop virus-resistant melons

Date:03-14-2011

USDA scientists are trying to keep cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, or CYSDV, out of growers’ melon fields. To help reduce the incidence of the virus, ARS horticulturist and research leader Jim McCreight in Salinas CA, is working to develop CYSDV-resistant melons.

According to a recent article in Agricultural Research magazine, in 2006, McCreight discovered resistance to CYSDV in a salad-type melon from India that was being tested for resistance to another disease.

McCreight, after screening in the field more than 400 melon accessions from India, found a few plants in several other vegetable-type melons from India that show promise for resistance to the virus. Work continues on developing a resistant melon that growers in the southwestern U.S. could plant.

The field tests reportedly showed that disease resistance will only work in the desert southwest when whitefly populations are under control. According to McCreight, plants constantly being fed upon will lead to high infection rates. Summer-planted melons dealing with high temperatures and whitefly feeding are said to become even weaker. Complete loss of fruit yield and quality or plant death is often the end result.

Source: USDA news