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Comparative evaluation of resistance to four major diseases in four watermelon varieties
Abstract
Disease outbreaks and continuous cropping challenges have increased the demand for resistant watermelon cultivars. This study evaluated four commercial varieties (‘Jike 20’, ‘Chenlu 182’, ‘Zhemi 6’, and ‘Aihua 2’) for resistance to powdery mildew, anthracnose, Fusarium wilt, and vine decline under controlled conditions. ‘Jike 20’ showed the strongest overall resistance (HR to three diseases, MR to vine decline), making it a promising candidate for breeding programs. In contrast, ‘Zhemi 6’ was the most susceptible. ‘Chenlu 182’ displayed high resistance to vine decline but slight resistance to anthracnose and Fusarium wilt, while ‘Aihua 2’ showed high resistance to anthracnose but moderate resistance to other diseases. These cultivar‑specific resistance patterns highlight the importance of multi‑pathogen screening in breeding. Our findings provide actionable guidance for selecting disease‑resistant watermelon varieties, supporting sustainable cultivation and reducing reliance on chemical controls
