Watermelon is an important vegetable crop in the U.S. Biotic stresses such as Fusarium wilt and anthracnose leaf blight are major diseases in watermelon growing regions. The objectives of the program are to understand genetics of host resistance and develop disease tolerant cultivars. The program is evaluating Texas A&M and USDA germplasm and creating genetic variability by making selected crossings. The project plans to utilize gene editing and genomic selection as a breeding tool to develop cultivars. The program is also testing to develop tetraploid germplasm.
