Potyviruses like papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) have long threatened watermelon crops in the southeastern U.S., exacerbated by the squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) which also affects PRSV-W. This study focuses on developing PRSV-resistant watermelon cultivars by leveraging resistance found in the desert watermelon Citrullus colocynthis. Researchers have identified resistant lines, confirmed their resistance in subsequent generations, and are crossing them with watermelon cultivars to develop advanced breeding lines with improved resistance and fruit quality.
