Research

Evaluating fungicide programs for reducing severity to gummy stem blight
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Evaluation of new fungicides as soil and foliar treatments for control of Phytophthora capsici on watermelon
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Evaluation of resistant rootstocks for managing root-knot nematodes in grafted watermelon
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Field trials for Gummmy Stem Blight Resistance
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Frequency and distribution of old and possible new viruses in watermelon
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Generation and evaluation of a mutation-line collection useful for enhancing resistance for potyviruses and major diseases of watermelon
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2009 NWA Grants Awarded to Universities and USDA-ARS
Set Points for Watermelon Drip Irrigation Using Capacitance Probes

 The Effects of Terbacil, Halosulfuron, Clomazone, and S-metolachlor on Grafted Watermelon

Nitrogen Source, Rate, and Application Methods in Watermelon

Location and Variety Affects on Yield and Hollow Heart in Watermelon (Search for High and Stable Fruit Yield and Quality) - Year 2

Evaluation of rootstocks for managing root-knot nematodes in grafted watermelon

Evaluation of Actigard and other new fungicides for managing Phytophthora fruit rot of watermelon

Continuation of Improved Grafting Method for Watermelons Transplants

Evaluating Fungicides for Reducing Gummy Stem Blight in Watermelons, 2009

Evaluating Fungicides for Reducing Gummy Stem Blight in Watermelon 2009 poster

Effects of Irrigation Rates on Soil Moisture Content, Phytophthora rot, and
Fruit Yield and Quality in Seedless Watermelon
 

2008 NWA grants Awarded to Universities
“Grafted Watermelon:  Evaluation of Planting Density for High Yield”

Forecasting long-distance movement of cucurbit downy mildew

The interaction and effectiveness of cultural and chemical strategies to control Phytophthora fruit rot
 

2007 NWA grants Awarded to Universities
Optimizing large-scale production of ethanol from culled watermelons.

Study effects of rootstocks on yield and quality of seedless watermelon

Forecasting long-distance movement of cucurbit downy mildew

Study effects of rootstocks on yield and quality of seedless watermelon

Grafted watermelon:  Evaluation of rootstocks, cultivars, and planting density for high yield and fusarium with control

Watermelon Grafting Methods Report 2008
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Research Articles of Watermelon Interest

On Guard Against Watermelon Vine Decline

Deep in winter, we dream of summertime and delicious outdoor picnics filled with hot dogs, lemonade, and refreshing watermelon. But the availability of that popular, nutritious fruit could be drastically affected by a looming new threat. Read Full Article

Researchers identify cause of watermelon vine decline

With popular and nutritious watermelon now battling a new plague called watermelon vine decline, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Fort Pierce, Fla., are trying to pinpoint the cause of the disease and find ways to control it. Read Full Article

Ethanol Transportation Backgrounder

The Ethanol Transportation Backgrounder is an overview of transportation issues facing a rapidly expanding U.S. ethanol industry.  This report will provide insights into the development of the Ethanol Industry across the country; where we are today; what is being built to expand ethanol availability; and where we are going with this new fuel market. Read Full Article

Assess the resistance to fungicides in gummy stem blight pathogen

Honey bee virus threatens nation's food supply, USDA says

(AXcess News) Washington - USDA researchers, in cooperation with scientists at two leading U.S. Universities, have found that the U.S. population of honey bees is threatened by a virus, which if it cannot be contained could severely hamper food production in the United States on crops that require pollination. Read Full Article

Progress made against watermelon threat

A keen eye, fast action, and a vast plant collection may help nip in the bud a potential widespread threat to watermelons. Read Full Article

Whiteflies May Meet Their Match in the Form of New Fungus

Whiteflies are very, very tiny. Under a magnifying glass, they resemble moths—but from afar they look like wispy snowflakes. Read Full Article

New grants issued by NWA to Researchers for 2007

The NWA approved four grants to universities and the USDA to investigate numerous aspects of grafting watermelon plants and rootstocks, ethanol production and other bio-energy aspects of watermelon, and the forecasting of downy mildew. Each proposal is attached below for your review. Read Full Article

Management of whitefly populations for the control of watermelon vine decline in Florida

Field studies were designed to confirm that a new ipomovirus, Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), causes watermelon vine decline (WVD) in Florida and is transmitted by the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci,  (Biotype “B”) .... Read Full Article

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmitted Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV): a component of Watermelon Vine Decline in South Florida.

Watermelon Vine Decline and Fruit Rot
Pam Roberts, Rosa M. Muchovej, Benny Bruton, Carlye Baker, Scott Adkins

In Spring 2003 and 2004 in Southwest Florida and in Fall 2003 and 2004 in West Central Florida (Manatee County area), a severe watermelon vine decline occurred as the crop approached harvest or soon after the first harvest. Foliar symptoms included a slight yellowing, wilting of the vines, scorched and brown leaves, premature leaf loss, ... Read Full Article

Vine Decline research steps
by Bob Morrissey

A combined effort between the FWA and NWA is progressing to gain momentum and begin an aggressive research effort with the collaborative efforts of Dr. Pam Roberts – UF/IFAS, Dr. Benny Bruton – USDA (Lane, OK) and Scott Adkins – USDA (Ft. Pierce, FL). The NWPB has also pledged some financial support to this effort. ... Read Full Article

Phytophthora Fruit Rot – A Menace to Watermelon Production
Bill Jester, Horticultural Science Department and Gerald Holmes, Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

An ugly profit-robbing disease reared its head in 2003 on the east coast of the United States. The Eastern North Carolina watermelon production region experienced unusually high rainfall in the months of June, July and August. The rains were frequent and the ground had very little time to dry out. Over 2,000 acres of watermelo ... Read Full Article

Management of GSB on Watermelon Transplants with Seed Applied Fungicides and Field Fungicide Programs Involving Pristine
Dr. Kenneth Seebold1 and Dr. David Langston2, 1University of Kentucky at Lexington and 2University of Georgia at Tifton

Gummy stem blight (GSB), caused by Didymella bryoniae, is the most destructive disease of watermelons and cantaloupes in Georgia. Losses to GSB are high each year, and the disease has proven difficult to control with fungicides and cultural practices. Management options for control of GSB in the field are rotation, deep turnin ... Read Full Article

U.S. Watermelon Standards Read Full Article

Access this web site, managed and provided by North Carolina State University, to review the forecasting of downy mildew. Timely information on the occurrence of Cucurbit Downy Mildew and the future movement of inoculum (fungus spores) across the North American continent is important to curcurbit producers in managing this destructive and fast-moving disease epidemic.