Fusarium wilt of watermelon, caused by the fungus *Fusarium oxysporum* f. sp. *niveum* (FON), leads to substantial yield loss in watermelon crops. This disease is prevalent worldwide, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. It can cause pre- or post-emergence damping-off of seedlings and rapid death of young plants under suitable conditions. In mature plants, symptoms develop within 3 to 4 weeks and include grayish foliage, chlorosis, and wilting. Plants affected later may either collapse or exhibit stunting. The disease is marked by stem necrosis, which is visible when examining the runners or stems.
