Author
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Bruton, Benny |
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Submitted to: Cucurbitaceae Proceedings
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 12/3/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Soilborne diseases cause severe economic losses in the cucurbits. Resistance to soilborne diseases has played a major role in continued profitable production of cucurbits worldwide. Reports of fungicide resistance in some cucurbit pathogens and the projected loss of methyl bromide for soilborne disease control are cause for concern. Disease management strategies must be developed to maximize existing resistance. The future direction and success of plant breeding for disease resistance is dependent upon a thorough knowledge of the genetic structure of the plant pathogen population as well as knowledge of resistance genes. Linkages between disease resistance and molecular markers are being explored which should facilitate the selection of soilborne disease resistance in cucurbits. Selected soilborne diseases, including vascular wilts, crown rots, and root rots have been addressed with emphasis on pathogen virulence and host resistance. A "Universal Testing System" should be developed for each cucurbit pathogen in evaluating pathogenicity and relative virulence of the pathogen as well as germplasm evaluations. Technical Abstract: Resistance to soilborne diseases in the cucurbits has played a major role in continued profitable production of cucurbits worldwide. Disease management strategies must be developed to maximize existing resistance. The future direction and success of plant breeding for disease resistance is dependent upon a thorough knowledge of the genetic structure of the plant pathogen population as well as knowledge of resistance genes. Linkages between disease resistance and molecular markers are being explored which should facilitate the selection of soilborne disease resistance in cucurbits. Selected soilborne diseases, including vascular wilts, crown rots, and root rots have been addressed with emphasis on pathogen virulence and host resistance. A "Universal Testing System" should be developed for each cucurbit pathogen in evaluating pathogenicity and relative virulence of the pathogen as well as germplasm evaluations. |
