Key message We identified QTLs associated with gummy stem blight resistance in an interspecific F 2:3 Citrullus population and developed marker assays for selection of the loci in watermelon. Abstract Gummy stem blight (GSB), caused by three Stagonosporopsis spp., is a devastating fungal disease of watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ) and other cucurbits that can lead to severe yield losses. Currently, no commercial cultivars with...

Key message β-Carotene content in sweetpotato is associated with the Orange and phytoene synthase genes; due to physical linkage of phytoene synthase with sucrose synthase , β-carotene and starch content are negatively correlated. Abstract In populations depending on sweetpotato for food security, starch is an important source of calories, while β-carotene is an important source of provitamin A. The negative association betwee...