Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research
Project Number: 2038-22000-020-007-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2021
End Date: Jul 31, 2025
Objective:
1) Use novel phenotyping approaches and existing genetic lines to establish the mode of inheritance and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) and Bemisia tabaci; 2) Evaluate responses of resistant germplasm to immunity priming and challenge with non-target pathogens (Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)); 3) Quantify economic and environmental benefits of an IPM program using resistant germplasm, immunity priming, and reduced risk insecticides.
Approach:
CYSDV resistance in ARS-developed germplasm will be evaluated by USDA-ARS using whitefly transmission assays, whereas whitefly resistance will be evaluated at University of California, Riverside. QTLs will be identified for CYSDV and whitefly resistance. Germplasm will be evaluated for effectiveness of immune priming with immunity inducers and insecticides for control against CMV and CCYV. Performance of resistant and nonresistant melon varieties with immune priming will be evaluated in field trials in Yuma County, Arizona and Fresno County, California.
