*Hand harvest grain yields and harvest indexes for single row varieties (left) and main plot varieties (right) Characterisation and Management of Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon Contact: Lucy Tran-Nguyen – Molecular Scientist Reference to the DPIF Industry Development Plan 2013-2017: 1.1 Provide security and certainty to encourage investment. Project Status: Commenced. Fusarium wilt is one of the most severe diseases of 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 (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. To date, two of the races have been detected in Australia. However, there is limited published information about the Australian Fon races. It is unclear what race the NT Fon strain is, whether it is a new race, and its level of aggressiveness. The project aims to identify the NT Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum race(s) and compare it with Fon races in Australia and overseas, screen rootstocks and grafted watermelons for resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum [all race(s)], assess the temperature effect on Fusarium wilt of watermelon under a controlled environment and field trials, assess the effect of rotational cropping options (e.g. Fumig8tor sorghum) on the suppression of Fusarium wilt of watermelon, extension strategies to raise awareness of Fusarium wilt of watermelon, deliver outcomes to industry and propose management strategies. Below left: Fusarium wilt of watermelons in the field (Source: B. Condé) Below right: Pathogenicity trials of watermelon seedlings (Source: B. Condé)
conduct a junior scientist training day. China Bob Williams, Lucy Tran-Nguyen and Andrew Daly To attend banana symposium in Taiwan and discussions on collaborative banana research projects in China. The Philippines Mark Hoult ACIAR Small research and development activity. A scoping study of tropical exotic fruit research and industry development requirements was conducted in the Philippines with emphasis on production, postharvest and processing opportunities for durian, jackfruit, pomelo and other underutilised tropical fruits. December 2012 Vietnam Lemcke Provide technical advice and support for new cattle shipment of 1500 head. Cambodia Bob Williams and Cameron McConchie To finalise a 9-month scoping study of the mango industry and to commence the development of a four year mango research program. Vietnam David Ffoulkes Meet new Vietnamese cattle importer and provide technical support for Red Star Cattle Project. January 2013 United States Sally Leigo Present and attend at the Society of Management conference and visit leading universities. February 2013 Vietnam David Ffoulkes Provide technical assistance to Vietnamese importers of NT cattle. Greg Maguire National Foot and Mouth disease training coordinated by DAFF.
management of Fusarium wilt in watermelon. Grow NT no 5, August, pp 18-19. NT Farmers Association. Tran-Nguyen, L. T. T. Conde, B. D. and Smith, S. H. (2012). Outbreak of Fusarium wilt in seedless watermelon seedlings in the Northern Territory, Australia. Australasian Plant Disease Notes, 2 May. Tran-Nguyen, L. T. T., Smith, S. H. and Liberato, J. R. (2012). Sweet potato little leaf strain V4 phytoplasma associated with snake bean in the Northern Territory, Australia. Australasian Plant Disease Notes 7(1):147-150. Walsh, D. (2012). Resilient businesses – from the ground up, pp. 2-4 In: Victoria River Research Station, Kidman Springs Field Day Handbook. Walsh, D. (2012). Managing woody vegetation using fire in the Victoria River District, pp. 50-51 In: Victoria River Research Station, Kidman Springs Field Day Handbook. Walsh, D. (2012). Is there a business case for NT beef producers to “farm carbon”? pp. 6-7, Barkly Beef, December. Walsh, D. (2012). Is there a business case for NT beef producers to “farm carbon”? pp. 2-3, Katherine Rural Review, December. Walsh, D., Cowley, R. A. and Russell-Smith, J. (2012). Fire management in a new rangelands economy: making sense of research, policy and on-ground implementation. In: Celebrating diversity: people, place and purpose. Proceedings of the Australian Rangeland Society 17th Biennial Conference 23-27 September. Walsh, D. and Cowley, R. A. (2013). Savvy sustainability, pp. 13-14. Feedback, June 2013 edition. (Meat & Livestock Australia, North Sydney). Weir, R. P., Moody, N. J., Hyatt, A. D., Crameri, S., Voysey, R., Pallister, J. and Jerrett IV. (2012). Isolation and characterisation of a novel Bohle-like virus from two frog species in the Darwin rural area, Australia. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms