Developing a core collection of watermelon lines resistant to potyviruses

Developing a core collection of watermelon lines resistant to potyviruses is crucial for mitigating economic losses caused by aphid and whitefly-transmitted viruses. Researchers at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory are focusing on breeding watermelons resistant to PRSV-W and ZYMV. By crossing resistant accessions of Citrullus colocynthis with elite watermelon cultivars, they aim to produce new varieties that offer broad resistance to these viruses, benefiting growers and breeders alike.

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