Submitted to: Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2009
Publication Date: November 1, 2009
Citation: Weng, Y. 2009. 2008 Public Sector Cucumber Research Priority Survey. Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report. 31-32:1-4.
Technical Abstract:
In December 2008, a national wide survey was conducted to identify priorities for cucumber research in the public sector. The questions in the survey were in four categories: diseases, insects, abiotic stresses and other issues. The survey was sent to cucumber-related researchers in the public institutions, seed companies, as well as people working in the cucumber industry. Twenty-one feedbacks were received and analyzed. The survey results indicated that among major cucumber diseases, downy mildew had the highest priority. Phytophthora fruit rot, angular leaf spot, cucumber mosaic virus and root knot nematode are other four with major concerns. Among major insects, cucumber beetles were ranked the top priority, followed by aphids, pickleworm and thrips. For abiotic stresses, reducing herbicide damage, cold germination, and drought/heat stresses were some important issues. For other cucumber research-related issues, higher yield was the top priority among public and industry respondents. Improving pre- and post-harvest fruit qualities was also emphasized. Respondents of seed companies ranked ‘broadening cucumber genetic diversity’ and ‘Use molecular markers in marker-assisted selection’ as the top priorities.
Additional issues raised by the respondents from this survey included hybrids for the small cucumber 1A, 1B size market and developing machine harvest system to accommodate this fruit; improve seed vigor; increase fruit per plant; development of parthenocarpic varieties, and finally controlling Length/Diameter ratios with water/fertilizer applications.
To summarize, this survey provided very useful information for public sector researchers to prioritize their research to address needs of the cucumber industry in the U. S.
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