Watermelon Gummy Stem Blight: Pathogen Biology, Epidemiology, Fungicide Resistance, and Integrated Management Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.6.4.44Keywords:
Citrullus lanatus, Fungicide resistance, Gummy stem blight, Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearumAbstract
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is one of the largest annual fruit crops in the world with high production and its yield is severely affected by fungal disease, especially Gummy Stem Blight (GSB). Its caused by Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum and relevant species, affect all the above- ground vegetative and reproductive parts of host, including leaves, petioles, vines, stems tendrils, pedicels, fruit and seed, where it causes 50% yield loses. Even with a lot of research, GSB remains a constant problem in watermelon fields because of high genetic variability, broad host plants, and has the ability to over winters and survives for long periods on seeds and debris. To manage and control the disease many fungicides are used like Quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs), Demethylation inhibitors (DMIs), and Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) and it has been the most successful method in managing GSB. However, GSB has developed resistance to several fungicide classes and loss their effectiveness. The aim of this study is to summarize recent advances in Stagonosporopsis biology, diseases cycle and epidemics, genetic diversity and integrated strategies for disease management with on the role of adjuvants. The study found that GSB is a devastating soil borne disease that threatens to watermelon and other cucurbits production. Also this review indicates that important progress has been made in understanding the biology of the pathogens, diseases cycle, adjuvant usage, integrated disease management strategies. However, several critical knowledge gaps like enhancement of cucurbit resistance through breeding, rapid diagnostic tools strategies and sustainable integrated management systems are remain to be filled in the future.
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