Watermelon's Hidden Killer: Researchers Seek Disease-resistant Cultivars To Sustain Watermelon Crop Production
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - 03:21
in Mathematics & Economics
Watermelon vine decline is a new and emerging disease that has created devastating economic losses for watermelon producers in Florida. Caused by the whitefly-transmitted squash vein yellowing virus, the disease created monetary losses estimated at $60 to $70 million in Florida during the 2004 growing season. Responding to producers' concerns, scientists recently identified the cause of WVD and are seeking ways to control the plague.