Download Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon

Research on Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon
Fusarium wilt of watermelon was first documented in the American states of
Georgia and South Carolina in 1894. It has the distinction of being one of the
oldest described Fusarium wilt diseases and is now found throughout the
world in major watermelon growing areas. Fusarium wilt of watermelon is an
economically important disease that limits production.
Fusarium oxsporum f. sp. niveum (FON) is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt
in watermelon. As of 2010 four races of FON have been described (race 0, 1,
2, 3), with each race being different in their aggressiveness towards resistant
cultivars of watermelon. It affects plants by infecting the roots and progressing
through the vascular system, disrupting water and nutrient intake, eventually
resulting in wilt symptoms. FON is predominantly a soil borne fungus and is
spread via contaminated soil and plant material. It produces resistant spores
for long term survival and may remain present in the soil for years.
In Australia there have been reports of watermelon wilt in the major growing
regions of New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and very
recently an outbreak in the Northern Territory. The disease impacts the
production of watermelon in Australia significantly, through loss of yield and
land. Unfortunately, most of the current in-depth research is being conducted
internationally. It is not known how many races of FON are present in
Australia, nor of its distribution and prevalence around the country’s
watermelon production regions. Such information is vital for the development
of effective disease management strategies.
A collaborative research project is being initiated between the Royal Botanic
Gardens Sydney, the University of Sydney, NSW Department of Primary
Industries, and the NT Department of Resources, Plant Industries Group,
jointly funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd. and the respective agencies, to
work closely with the watermelon industry in gathering crucial information in
order to better understand the disease and pathogen in Australia.
An integral part of the project is conducting a national survey of the major
watermelon production regions. The survey aims to determine the presence
and distribution of FON and the disease. For the survey, it is essential that a
large enough portion of each region is sampled for more accurate information.
The survey will involve collecting soil samples and plant material which
display symptoms of wilt. In certain cases, healthy plants may also be
sampled, as it is not known if FON is able to survive within symptomless
plants. It is essential to the project that producers are made aware that such
a study is being conducted, and participation is required for this project to be
realized. The more producers involved in the survey will lead to results that
are more comprehensive and accurate for the benefit of industry.
If you would like more information on the project, please contact:
Victor Puno
MPhil Candidate (The University of Sydney)
The Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust
Plant Pathology
Science and Conservation
Tel: 02 9231 8356
Mob: 0408 013 909
Email: [email protected]
Stuart Smith
Senior Research Officer Sustainable Production
Plant Industries Group
Northern Territory Government
Tel: 08 8999 2222
Mob: 0428 966 528
Email: [email protected]
Lucy Tran-Nguyen
Senior Molecular Scientist
Plant Industries Group
Northern Territory Government
Tel: 08 8999 2235
Fax: 08 8999 2312
Email: [email protected]
If you wish to be involved in the survey of disease incidence, please fill out the
electronic form attached and email to Victor Puno.