Vascular Diseases of Eggplant and Melon and Potential Protection Techniques for Sustainable Varietal Resistance

Vascular wilt diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis and Verticillium species pose major challenges in eggplant and melon production. The VASCUlég project surveyed grower fields, revealing that disease complexes often include multiple bioaggressors. Alternative control approaches—cover crops, biofumigation, plant defense stimulators and biological agents—were tested; none fully controlled pathogens but many delayed symptom onset. New genetic resistance sources were identified for both F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis and Verticillium, and screening of 64 Solanum species highlighted promising rootstock candidates. The study underscores the need to integrate multiple protection techniques with genetic resistance to enhance durability.