Project Number: 6659-22000-013-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 07, 2003
End Date: Feb 06, 2008

Objective:
Characterize and develop improved resistances to root-knot nematodes and diseases in vegetable crops including pepper, southernpea, sweetpotato, and watermelon. Develop alternative strategies to methyl bromide for managing root-knot nematodes in vegetable crops utilizing resistant cultivars in rotation with susceptible cultivars. Identify resistance to powdery mildew in watermelon and determine its inheritance, and develop molecular markers for Fusarium wilt resistance in melon and watermelon.

Approach:
Use PCR to identify molecular markers for resistance to root-knot nematodes; characterize mechanisms, stability, and specificity of these resistances in peppers. In southernpeas, evaluate plant introductions to identify resistance to Rhizoctonia solani. As an alternative to methyl bromide, determine efficacy of resistances and evaluate cropping systems that utilize rotation of nematode resistant cultivars with susceptible cultivars. In sweetpotato and watermelon, characterize resistance to root-knot nematode species. Evaluate watermelon PIs for resistance to powdery mildew; conduct genetic studies on inheritance of powdery mildew resistance in watermelon; and generate genetic populations of melon and watermelon necessary to develop molecular markers for Fusarium wilt resistance. Cooperate with plant breeders to incorporate disease and root-knot nematode resistances into improved vegetable germplasm.

Project Team

Thies, Judy

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant Diseases (303)   Methyl Bromide Alternatives (308)

Related Projects

Evaluation of Resistance to Root-Knot Nematodes in Pepper Pis and Rhizoctonia in Vigna Pis    Harnessing Investments in Genomics of Model Species for Vegetable Improvement