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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #120414
Title: RESISTANCE TO YELLOW VINE DISEASE IN WATERMELON PI LINES

Author
item Davis, Angela
item Pair, Sammy
item Bruton, Benny

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2001
Publication Date: 4/1/2001
Citation: Davis, A.R., Pair, S.D., Bruton, B.D. 2001. Resistance to yellow vine disease in watermelon pi lines. HortScience. 36:852.

Interpretive Summary: In the spring and summer of 2000, 107 types of watermelon were screened for yellow vine disease (YVD) resistance. Ten plants of each were planted April 15th in Lane, OK in a non-replicated study. Plants with vine decline symptoms were harvested on a biweekly schedule and presence or absence of YVD was assessed by looking for phloem discoloration in a cross section of the hypocotyl region under a microscope. In our study we found that the types of watermelon planted ranged in YVD incidence from 0 to 100%. Some of the types of watermelon (6 had no YVD) appeared to be resistant to YVD, especially when compared to our controls. In 2001, these watermelon will be re-tested in greenhouse and replicated field experiments to verify our preliminary results, and to analyze the source of resistance (i.e. decreased insect feeding or resistance to the yellow vine organism itself).

Technical Abstract: In the spring and summer of 2000, 105 Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus and C. lanatus var. citroides PI accessions from the USDA Germplasm Collection, Griffin, GA were screened for yellow vine resistance. Ten plants each of the 105 PI lines (most were African accessions) and 2 control watermelon cultivars, 'Tri-X 313' and 'Royal Sweet', which historically have been highly resistant and susceptible, respectively, to yellow vine disease wer planted April 15th in Lane, OK in a non-replicated study. Plants with vine decline symptoms were harvested on a biweekly schedule and yellow vine disease (YVD) was assessed by observing a transverse section of the hypocotyl region under a microscope for discoloration of the phloem. In our study we found that the PI lines ranged in YVD incidence from 0 to 100%. Some of the PI lines (6 had no YVD) appeared to be resistant to yellow vine disease, especially when compared to 'Tri-X 313' and 'Royal Sweet' (both were replicated 5 times in this study). In 2001, these lines will be re-tested in greenhouse and replicated field experiments to verify our preliminary results, and to analyze the source of resistance (i.e. decreased insect feeding or resistance to the yellow vine organism itself).