The cucurbit research program lead by
Professor Donald L. Hopkins includes the development of control measures for important diseases with major emphasis on problems of a bacterial or fungal nature. Efficacy testing of new fungicides and bactericides are taking place for cucurbits.
Bacterial fruit blotch is the main disease being studied; the role of seed transmission by cucurbits in the epidemiology of bacterial fruit blotch of watermelon, and plant breeding for resistance to this disease are areas being studied. The efficacy of the plant disease activator, Actiguard, for bacterial fruit blotch and Gummy Stem blight (Didymella Bryoniae) of watermelon in the transplant house and the field are also part of this research.
The evaluation of non pathogenic "Fusarium oxysporum" isolates for the biological control of fusarium wilt in the field is also being done.
 
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