Metabolomics-based biomarkers of Fusarium wilt disease in watermelon plants

Herein, we used a metabolomics approach to identify biomarkers of Fusarium wilt infection in watermelon. The observed metabolic profiles of infected plants were genotype specific and distinct in leaf and stem tissues compared with roots. The leaf tissue of Fusarium wilt-symptomatic plants had detectable or elevated levels of jasmonic acid–isoleucine, abscisic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, and melatonin compared to their asymptomatic and healthy plants of other varieties. In addition, leaf tissue of symptomatic plants showed increased contents of arginine, aspartic acid, citrulline, histidine, valine, lysine, and phthalic acid. These differentiating metabolites can be used to monitor or diagnose Fusarium wilt in watermelon plants.