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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #74309
Title: EVALUATION OF U. S. HONEYDEW TYPE MELONS FOR RESISTANCE AGAINST DOWNY MILDEW AND ALTERNARIA LEAF BLIGHT

Author
item Thomas, Claude
item Caniglia, Ellis

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/25/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Downy mildew and Alternaria leaf blight are fungal diseases of melons in many parts of the world. These diseases are currently controlled by applying fungicides. A more dependable, affordable, and environmentally compatible method of control would be the cultivation of resistant varieties. As part of the process of identifying sources of genetic resistance, U. S. honeydew type melons were evaluated for resistance to these two diseases. None of these honeydew types were resistant to downy mildew. However, many were resistant to Alternaria leaf blight and these may provide plant breeders with useful sources of resistance for other melon types, such as cantaloupes.

Technical Abstract: Seventeen U. S. honeydew type cultivars of melon (Cucumis melo) and three check cultigens were evaluated in replicated, artificial inoculations under controlled conditions for resistance to downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) and Alternaria leaf blight (Alternaria cucumerina). All cultivars tested were susceptible to downy mildew. However, 11 of the tested cultivars were as resistant to Alternaria leaf blight as the resistant check cultigens. Because of their high fruit quality characterictics, these cultivars may provide useful sources of Alternaria leaf blight resistance for incorporation into other commercial melon types, such as cantaloup.