Published 2019-04-19
Abstract
Fusarium wilt of watermelon is a serious and expanding disease in many watermelon producing areas of the southeast United States. Grafted watermelons have been reported to provide control of Fusarium wilt. Unfortunately, the rootstocks currently utilized for Fusarium control are very susceptible to root-knot nematodes (RKN), which are also common in many production areas infested with Fusarium wilt. Two non-fumigant nematicides (abamectin, fluensulfone) were compared with a fumigant nematicide [1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-d)] in grafted and non-grafted watermelon. None of the nematicide treatments significantly reduced root gall index (RGI). The use of 1,3-d improved watermelon yield when compared with fluensulfone and the non-treated control. Grafted plants had significantly greater RGI and significantly lower yield compared with non-grafted plants. These data illustrate a significant hindrance to the adoption of grafted watermelons in commercial production areas that are infested with RKN.