Fusarium wilt of watermelon: Towards sustainable management of a re-emerging plant disease. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Everts, Kathryne L.; Himmelstein, Jennifer C.
• Is Part Of: Crop protection. Volume 73(2015)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Fusarium wilt -- Watermelon -- Control -- Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum -- Fungicides -- Grafting -- Suppressive soils; Plants, Protection of -- Periodicals; 632.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2015.02.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-2194

Abstract

Abstract: Changes in watermelon production practices throughout the world such as the reduction in fumigation with methyl bromide, increasing human population density, which reduces rotational land availability, and the spread of more virulent forms of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum, have led to a resurgence in Fusarium wilt. Public research on Fusarium wilt management practices has focused on grafting, the identification of new sources for resistant rootstock germplasm, chemical control, improved understanding of suppressive soils, cover crop-induced suppression, impact of plant secondary metabolites on FON, and the role of biological control microbes in disease suppression. Additional research on rapid identification techniques for FON and economical methods for field level identification of FON races will improve management of this reemerging disease. Highlights: Recent changes in watermelon production have led to a resurgence in Fusarium wilt. Grafting and fungicide use for Fusarium wilt management is increasing. Research has focused on suppressive soils, cover crops and secondary metabolites. However yield losses due to watermelon Fusarium wilt continue. Additional research in control methods and improved diagnostic methods are needed.