Location: Vegetable Research
Title: QTL mapping identifies novel source of resistance to Fusarium wilt race 1 in Citrullus amarusAuthor
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Branham, Sandra |
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Levi, Amnon |
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Wechter, William - Pat |
Submitted to: Plant Disease
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/2018 Publication Date: 3/1/2019 Citation: Branham, S., Levi, A., Wechter, W.P. 2019. QTL mapping identifies novel source of resistance to Fusarium wilt race 1 in Citrullus amarus. Plant Disease. https://doi.org/353289. Interpretive Summary: Fusarium wilt race 1 is a major disease of watermelon in the United States and throughout the world. While Fusarium wilt race 1 resistance has been incorporated into several watermelon cultivars, identification of additional genetic sources of resistance is crucial if a durable and sustainable level of resistance is to be continued over the years. We conducted a genetic mapping study and identified a novel genetic source of resistance to Fon race 1 in a segregating population derived from a Fon race 1 resistant and susceptible wild species of watermelon. A molecular marker associated with resistance to Fon race 1 was identified on chromosome 9 of USVL246-FR2. This discovery provides a novel genetic source of resistance to Fusarium wilt in watermelon, and thus an additional host-resistance option for watermelon breeders to further the effort to mitigate this serious phytopathogen. Technical Abstract: Fusarium wilt race 1, caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.: Fr. f. sp. niveum (E.F. Sm.) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hans (Fon), is a major disease of watermelon in the United States and throughout the world. While Fusarium wilt race 1 resistance has been incorporated into several watermelon cultivars, identification of additional genetic sources of resistance is crucial if a durable and sustainable level of resistance is to be continued over the years. We conducted a genetic mapping study to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to Fon race 1 in a segregating F2:3 population (N=170) of C. amarus derived from the Fon race 1 resistant and susceptible parents USVL246-FR2 and USVL114, respectively. A major QTL (qFon1-9) associated with resistance to Fon race 1 was identified on chromosome 9 of USVL246-FR2. This discovery provides a novel genetic source of resistance to Fusarium wilt in watermelon, and thus an additional host-resistance option for watermelon breeders to further the effort to mitigate this serious phytopathogen. |