Cucumis melo L. Germplasm in Tunisia: Unexploited Sources of Resistance to Fusarium Wilt

Breeding for disease resistance has been one of the most important research objectives in melon last few decades. Fusarium wilt caused by oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom) is among threatening fungal diseases along Mediterranean coast, affecting yield and quality. Since genetic best sustainable strategies that can be used to control this pathogen, 27 Tunisian accessions collected from local farmers have tested using phenotypic molecular approaches identify new sources directly as cultivars affected areas or donors breeding programs. The evaluations, artificial inoculations, showed several resistant pathogenic races Fom. Additionally, analysis revealed 13 out carried Fom-1 gene (7 homozygous state 6 heterozygous state), confirming their 0 2. Two them were also identified Fom-2 gene, being 1. Furthermore, two with a high level virulent race 1.2 reported. This germplasm should explored potential source genes programs develop cultivars.