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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #351346
Title: Utilizing genetic resources and precision agriculture to enhance resistance to biotic and abiotic stress in watermelon

Author
item KANTOR, MIHAIL - Claflin University
item Levi, Amnon

Submitted to: Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/23/2018
Publication Date: 4/15/2018
Citation: Kantor, M., A. Levi. 2018. Utilizing genetic resources and precision agriculture to enhance resistance to biotic and abiotic stress in watermelon. Notulae Scientia Biologicae. 10:2067-3205. https://doi.org/351346.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Originally from Africa, watermelon is a staple crop in South Carolina and rich source of important phytochemicals that promote human health. As a result of many years of domestication and selection for desired fruit quality, modern watermelon cultivars are susceptible to biotic and abiotic stress. This review discusses how genetic selection and breeding combined with geospatial technologies (precision agriculture) may help enhance watermelon varieties for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress.Gene loci identified and selected in undomesticated watermelon accessions are responsible for resistance to diseases, pests, and abiotic stress. Vegetable breeding programs use traditional breeding methodologies and genomic tools to introduce gene loci conferring biotic or abiotic resistance into the genome background of elite watermelon cultivars. This continuous approach of collecting, evaluating and identifying useful genetic material is valuable for enhancing genetic diversity and tolerance and combined with precision agriculture could increase food security in the Southeast.