CucCAP researchers identify new loci for resistance to powdery mildew in watermelon

Powdery mildew has been spreading across the US on watermelon in recent years and can infest seedlings, adult plants and fruit and significantly reduce yield. Growers routinely spray pesticides to manage powdery mildew of watermelon. ARS scientists in Charleston SC developed one excellent source of resistance to this disease and characterized the mechanisms of resistance in the line called USVL531-MDR.  The molecular marker can be used in breeding programs to incorporate this resistance into commercial cultivars. 

https://cuccap.org/2020/11/01/cuccap-researchers-identify-new-loci-for-resistance-to-powdery-mildew-in-watermelon/