Melons

Fusarium wilt is one of the most severe diseases in watermelon and is caused by a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon). This strain is only pathogenic on watermelons and can be divided into four races (0, 1, 2 and 3). The disease is one of the major yield limiting factors in production, worldwide. Fon was first detected in the Northern Territory (NT) in May 2011. The disease affected three different varieties of watermelon seedlings and plants from six different locations.

The objectives of the projects are to:

• identify the NT Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum race(s) and compare with other Fon races (Australian and international)
• screen rootstocks and grafted watermelons for resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum [all races]
• implement extension strategies to raise awareness of Fusarium wilt of watermelon, deliver outcomes to industry and propose management strategies.

Resources

• Characterisation and management of Fusarium wilt of watermelon - 2015 update PDF (683.3 KB)

More information

• Northern Territory Government website:
  • Growing advice: Sweet melons
  • Growing advice: Cucurbits - cucumbers, zucchini, squash and pumpkins
• YouTube channel

Contact

dallas.anson@nt.gov.au

Key research areas to determine the importance of weed, non-host plants and honey bees in CGMMV disease epidemiology; evaluate the potential for in-field diagnostics to assist in rapid detection of the virus on farms. This research will develop multilingual communication materials to assist cucurbit growers with management options, including on-farm biosecurity protocols.

Resources

• CGMMV improved management options PDF (1.1 MB)
• CGMMV improved management options DOCX (1.7 MB)
• Management practices to minimise CGMMV in European honey bee hives PDF (314.6 KB)
• CGMMV management summary PDF (444.4 KB)
• CGMMV and European Honey Bees: research update - February 2018 PDF (666.7 KB)
• CGMMV information sheet PDF (425.2 KB)
• CGMMV symptoms and damage PDF (2.1 MB)
• Investigating and longevity and host range of CGMMV in NT soils PDF (1.3 MB)
• The viability of CGMMV in NT soils PDF (2.2 MB)
• Improved management options for CGMMV PDF (261.4 KB)

More information

• Northern Territory Government website:
  • Growing advice: Sweet melons
  • Growing advice: Cucurbits - cucumbers, zucchini, squash and pumpkins
• YouTube video

Media

• Northern Territory Government heading bush to test weeds for signs of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (2015) ABC Rural
• Bees and other insects may transfer Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (2016) ABC Rural
• NT continues melon disease trials (2016) Good fruit and vegetables

Contact

dallas.anson@nt.gov.au

This is an extension program demonstrating aspects of melon production in the Northern Territory, including CGMMV, IPM and cover crops.

Resources

• Cover crop information sheet PDF (303.3 KB)

More information

• Sweet melons on the Northern Territory Government website
• YouTube channel

Contact

dallas.anson@nt.gov.au

The objective of this project was to determine the mechanisms by which honey bees introduce Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) into healthy melon plants and to develop management practices to combat against the transmission of CGMMV by honey bees.

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) and honey bees fact sheet PDF (717.1 KB)

The role of the honey bees in cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) epidemiology fact sheet PDF (931.9 KB)

For more information, go to the HortInnovation Australia website.

Contact

mary.finlay-doney@nt.gov.au