Destruction of weeds and volunteers is an important
step in BFB management in watermelon fields (Walcott,
2008). Developing better weed management practices
depends on having knowledge of growth habit and
reproductive cycle of the weeds, and population dynamics
of pathogens associated with plant parts (leaves,
roots and seeds; Zimdahl, 1993). Furthermore, it is also
important to know if the pathogen can survive or overwinter
in seeds and plant debris, as survival of inoculum
for longer periods on this plant material can render disease
management ineffective. A report of A. citrulli survival
in stored watermelon and melon seeds for more
than 30 years indicates the bacterium’s ability to persist
for long periods in seeds (Block & Shepherd, 2008). In
addition, bacterial localization in seeds has been indicated
as an important factor of A. citrulli survival in
watermelon seeds (Dutta, 2011). It was shown that
A. citrulli survived significantly better in seeds when the
bacterium was localized in the embryo compared to
when it was localized on the testa and the perisperm–
endosperm (PE) layer of the seed (Dutta, 2011). However,
knowledge is lacking as to how long A. citrulli can
survive in citron melon seeds and if pathogen location
in seed and type of A. citrulli strain can influence bacterial
survival. Hence, the objective of this research was
to determine the effects of A. citrulli seed localization
and strain type on bacterial survival in citron melon
seeds.