Watermelon - Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation

6/21/2021 Watermelon | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation
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Watermelon
Description
Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, is a vining annual plant in the family Cucurbitaceae grown for its fleshy fruit.
Watermelon vines are thin, grooved and covered in tiny hairs. Vines are branching and possess deeply lobed
pinnate leaves. The plant produces solitary yellow flowers and and a large spherical to oblong fruit. The fruit is a
'pepo' - a fleshy fruit protected by a thick leathery rind. The fruit is smooth, light to dark green in color and can be
striped, marbled or solid green. The flesh of the fruit is usually red in color but some cultivars produce green,
orange or white flesh and contains numerous seeds which are usually black or dark brown in color. Watermelon
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vines can reach a length of 3 m (10 ft) and as an annual, survives only one growing season. Watermelon originates
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from Africa.
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Watermelon blossom
Watermelon blossom Watermelon on vine
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Watermelon cut open to

Watermelon on vine show flesh and seeds Young watermelon fruit
developing on the vine
Uses
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Watermelon is usually consumed as a fresh fruit. In Africa it is sometimes cooked before eating and may also be
used as an animal feed.
Propagation
Requirements
Watermelon is a warm-season crop, requiring lots of sun and good drainage to develop optimally
and growing best at temperatures between 18 and 28°C (65–82°F). Watermelon will yield best if grown in a light,
well-draining soil, rich in organic matter and with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Watermelon should be planted in full
sun and heavy feeders. They need to be provided with even soil moisture and fertilized regularly. Vining varieties
can grow to very large sizes and require a good deal of space. Sowing seeds
Watermelon can be direct seeded in
areas with a long, warm growing season but in more Northern climates it should be sown indoors and
transplanted. If direct seeding,seeds should be sown after the last frosts and when the soil has warmed to at least
18.4°C (65°F). Allow 90–120 cm (~3–4 ft) between seeds in a row and 150–180 cm (~5–6 ft) between rows. If
transplanting, seeds should be sown approximately 3–4 weeks before the last frost date in your area and
transplanted after the plants develop their first set of true leaves. Sow seeds in 3–4 in pots using a sterile seed
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starting mix and planting to a depth of 1–2 cm (~0.5 in). Thin seedlings once they are established. Seeds sown
both indoors and out require lightly moist soil for germination, care should be taken to avoid overwatering as
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seeds are prone to rotting. Seeds should germinate in 3–10 days depending on the soil temperature.
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Transplanting
Watermelon seedlings should be transplanted when all danger of frost has passed and the soil has
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warmed to at least 18.4°C (65°F). Covering soil with dark plastic or mulch a week prior to planting outdoors can
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help bring the soil temperature up more quickly in colder regions, allowing earlier planting. Beginning
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approximately
Contact 7–10 days before transplanting, plants should be set outside to harden off (see
us (mailto:mayor@plantvillage.psu.edu)
https://www.plantvillage.com/posts/264). The planting site should be prepared by incorporating plenty of organic
matter to encourage vegetative growth. When transplanting seedlings, allow 90–120 cm (~3–4 ft) between plants
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and 150–180 cm (~5–6 ft) between rows. Drip or soaker irrigation is preferred to overhead irrigation and plants
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should be watered evenly to keep them moist.
General care
Watermelon vines are sprawling and require plenty
space
Pests to grow. Vines can be trained to grow on a trellis or fence to save space. Watermelon plants Watermelons
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have a very deep root system which allows them to access soil moisture efficiently. However, if conditions are very
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dry for prolonged periods then additional water should be provided.. Plastic mulches are highly recommended in
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areas where conditions are not ideal for growth as they conserve soil moisture and black polyethylene has the
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of warming the soil. Floating row covers can be beneficial while the plants establish to protect against
insect
Video pests.
Harvesting
Watermelons are ready to be harvested when the the tendrils closest to the fruit are
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beginning to dry out and turn brown. The underside of the melon should be beginning to turn yellow
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Watermelon seedling Germinating watermelon
References
CABI Crop Protection Compendium. (2010). Citrullus lanatus (watermelon). Available at:
http://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/13678. [Accessed 21 April 15]. Paid subscription required.
Roberts, W., Motes, J.,
Damicone, J., Duthie, J. & Edelson, J. Watermelon production. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Available
at: http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-1110/F-6236web.pdf. [Accessed 21 April 15]. Free
to access.
Saha, S. (2014). Watermelon. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service & University of
Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Available at:
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/introsheets/watermelon.pdf. [Accessed 21 April 15]. Free to access.
Zitter, T. A.,
Hopkins, D. L. & Thomas, C. E. (1996). Compendium of Cucurbit diseases. American Phytopathological Society
Press. Available at: http://www.apsnet.org/apsstore/shopapspress/Pages/42074.aspx. Available for purchase from
APS Press.
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Common Pests and Diseases
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Diseases
Category : Fungal
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Alternaria leaf blight
Alternaria cucumerina
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Symptoms
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Small, yellow-brown spots with a yellow or green halo which first appear on the oldest leaves; as the disease
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progresses, lesions expand and becone large necrotic patches, often with concentric patternation; lesions
coalesce,
Warning leaves begin to curl and eventually die
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Disease
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prevalent in growing areas where temperatures are high and rainfall is frequent
Management
Cucurbits
Register or should be rotated with another crop every 2 years to reduce levels of inoculum; crop debris should be
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appropriate protective fungicides can help to slow the development of the disease; water plants from the base
rather than from above to reduce periods of leaf wetness which are conducive to the development and spread of
disease
Alternaria leaf spot (Brown spot)

Alternaria spp.
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Alternaria lesions on melon foliage

Alternaria lesions on melon foliage
Alternaria lesions on watermelon leaf
Symptoms
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Irregularly shaped or circular dark brown lesions on leaves; lesions may occur in concentric circles
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Cause
Fungus
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Spores survive on plant debris; transmitted via wind and rain
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Management
Rotate crop with non-cucurbit for at least 2 years; plow crop debris deeply into soil after harvest; avoid overhead
irrigation, water plants at base; apply appropriate protective fungicides
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Anthracnose
Colletotrichum
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Close-up image of anthracnose Anthracnose

lesion on watermelon
lesions on
rind
watermelon
Anthracnose
fruit lesions on watermelon fruit
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Anthracnose lesions on watermelon
Anthracnose
foliage lesions on watermelon
Anthracnose
foliage lesions on watermelon stem
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QSymptoms
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Angular dark brown or black lesions on leaves with yellow border; elongated lesions with sunken centers on
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stems and fruit
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Cause
Fungus
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Comments
Spread by wind and rain
Management
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Rotate
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Cercospora leaf spot
Cercospora citrullina
Symptoms
Initial symptoms of disease occur on older leaves as small spots with light to tan brown centers; as the disease
progresses, the lesions enlarge to cover large areas of the leaf surface; lesions may have a dark border and be
surrounded by a chlorotic area; the centers of the lesions may become brittle and crack
Cause
Fungus
Comments
Fungus survives on plant debris; spread by wind and water splash; occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical
growing regions
Management
Any diseased plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread; crop debris should be removed
after harvest or plowed deeply into the soil to reduce inoculum
Downy mildew
Pseudoperonospora cubensis

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Leaves severely infected with downy
Necrotic
mildew
leaves curling upwards Downy
due to downy
mildewmildew
symptoms
infection
on watermelon foliage
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Downy mildew symptoms on watermelon
Symptomsfoliage
of downy mildew on watermelon leaf
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Symptoms
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Yellow mottling on leaves; dark brown lesions on leaves; leaves curling inwards;
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Fungus
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Spread by airborne spores and water splash
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Management
Do not overcrowd plants; avoid overhead irrigation, water plants from base; apply appropriate fungicide
Fusarium wilt
Fusarium oxysporum
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Discolored stem tissue caused by

Symptoms
Fusarium of
infection
fusarium wilt in a watermelon
Symptoms offield
fusarium wilt in a watermelon field
Symptoms
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Wilting plants; wilting confined to one or more vines; foliage has a dull gray-green appearance and turns yellow
as the disease progresses; vascular tissue has a red discoloration
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Disease can be spread through infected seed or via contaminated water and/or equipment
Management
Plant in well draining soils and avoid waterlogging; plant fungicide treated seed; rotate crops on 4 year rotation
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Gummy stem
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Didymella bryoniae
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Gummy stem blight symptoms on

Gummy
watermelon
stem blight symptoms on
Gummy
watermelon
stem blight lesions on watermelon stem
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Close-up of gummy stem blight Gummy
lesion onstem
watermelon
blight lesions
leaf margin
on watermelon
Symptoms of
foliage
gummy stem blight on watermelon stems and leaves
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Gummy stem blight lesions on watermelon

Gummy stemfoliage
blight lesions on watermelon foliage
Symptoms
Round or irregular brown lesions with faint concentric rings on cotyledons; brown or white lesions on crown and
stems; soft, circular brown lesions on fruit; lesions on stems and fruit may be oozing an amber colored sticky
substance
Cause
Fungus
Comments
Fungus can be spread b infected seed, air currents or water splash; survives on plant debris in soil; disease
emergence is favored by warm, wet conditions
Management
Use disease free seed; treat seeds prior to planting; rotate crops every 2-3 years to a non-cucurbit to reduce
disease build up in soil; reduce crop residue in soil by plowing plant debris into soil after harvest; application of
preventative fungicides are usually required to control the disease successfully
Powdery mildew
Podosphaera xanthii
Podosphaera fuliginea

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Symptoms of powdery mildew on
Symptoms
watermelon
of powdery
leaves mildew on
Symptoms
watermelon
of powdery
leaves mildew on watermelon leaves
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Symptoms
Reddish or bronze appearance of older leaves; obvious patches of white powdery growth on leaves
Cause
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Comments
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Disease emergence favored by dry weather and high relative humidity
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Management
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in sites
with good air circulation and sun exposure; do not overcrowd plants; sanitize equipment regularly
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Verticillium wilt
Verticillium dahliae
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Symptoms
Symptoms generally appear after fruit set; chlorotic leaves which develop necrotic areas; leaves collapsing;
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symptoms only on one side of vine; discoloration of vascular tissue in roots
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Fungus can survive in soil for many years; disease emergence favored by cool or mild weather in Spring
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Management
Do not plant in areas where other susceptible crops have been grown previously; delay planting until
temperatures are warmer
Category : Bacterial
Angular leaf spot

Pseudomonas syringae
Symptoms
Small water-soaked lesions on leaves which expand between leaf veins and become angular in shape; in humid
conditions, lesions exude a milky substance which dries to form a white crust on or beside lesions; as the disease
progresses, lesions turn tan and may have yellow/green edges; the centers of the lesions dry and may drop out
leaving a hole in the leaf
Cause
Bacterium
Comments
Spread through infected seed, splashing rain, insects and movement of people between plants; bacterium
overwinters in crop debris and can survive for 2.5 years
Management
Use disease-free seed; do not grow plants in field where cucurbits have been grown in the previous 2 years;
protective copper spray may help reduce incidence of disease in warm, humid climates; plant resistant varieties
Bacterial fruit blotch

Acidovorax avenae

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Symptoms of bacterial fruit blotch

Symptoms
on watermelon
of bacterial
fruit fruit blotch
Symptoms
on watermelon
of bacterial
fruit fruit blotch on watermelon fruit
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Symptoms of bacterial fruit blotch
Symptoms
on watermelon
of bacterial
foliage
fruit blotch on watermelon foliage
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Symptoms
Small water-soaked lesions on top or sides of fruit which enlarge over surface; lesions on fruit may turn reddish or
brown and crack
Cause
Bacterium
Comments
Spread through infected seed or water splash; disease emergence favors wet conditions
Management
Use pathogen-free seed and transplants; rotate crops; avoid the use of overhead irrigation
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Aster yellows
Aster yellows phytoplasma
Symptoms
Foliage turning yellow; secondary shoots begin growing prolifically; stems take on a rigid, upright growth habit;
leaves are often small in size and distorted, may appear thickened; flowers are often disfigured and possess
conspicuous leafy bracts; fruits are small and pale in color
Cause
Phytoplasma
Comments
Disease is transmitted by leafhoppers and can cause huge losses in cucurbit crops
Management
Remove any infected plants from the field to reduce spread; control weeds in and around the field that may act
as a reservoir for the phytoplasma; protect plants from leaf hopper vectors with row covers
Blossom-end rot
Symptoms
Symptoms first appear on immature fruits as small light brown spots close to the blossom end of the fruit; as
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fruit grow, the spots enlarge, resulting in dark leathery lesions sunken into the fruit
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Nutritional disorder
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Watermelon varieties that produce long fruit are more susceptible to blossom-end rot
Management
Blossom-end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the developing fruit and it occurs when the uptake of nutrients
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to the plant is disrupted; factors which disrupt nutrient uptake include drought, root damage or high soil salinity;
application of excess nitrogen fertilizer may also contribute to the development of blossom-end rot as it promotes
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vigorous growth of vegetative tissues and depletion of calcium in the soil; watering plants evenly and regularly
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reduces the incidence of blossom-end rot
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Cucumber green mottle mosaic
Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV)
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Symptoms
Early symptoms on young plants include vein-clearing and the development of crumpled leaves; older plants
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develop bleached and/or chlorotic leaves. As the infection progresses, leaves develop mottling and become
blistered
Stress and distorted. Leaf symptoms are very difficult to distinguish from other mosaic viruses of Cucurbits/
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Severity of symptoms varies depending on the strain of the virus.
Cause
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Comments
All Cucurbit species are susceptible to the virus, some cucumber varieties have been developed which have some
resistance to the disease and are available in Canada and Europe.
Management
As the virus is spread primarily by infected seed, only disease-free seed from a reputable supplier should be
planted. Seedlings and plants infected with the virus should be removed and destroyed to prevent spread. All
seedlings/plants within a 3-5 ft radius of the infected plant should also be destroyed. The virus can be spread
mechanically via tools and on hands, good sanitation should be practiced at all times to prevent virus
transmission - disinfect all tools and equipment between uses by dipping in a solution of bleach or using a
commercially available disinfectant such as Virkon.
Cucumber mosaic
Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)
Symptoms
Plants may e severely stunted; foliage is covered in distinctive yellow mosaic; leaves of plant curl downwards and
leaf size is smaller than normal; flowers on infected plants may be deformed with green petals; fruits become
distorted and are small in size; fruit is often discolored
Cause
Viruses
Comments
Transmitted by aphids; virus has an extensive host range; can be mechanically transmitted via tools etc.
Management
Control of the virus is largely dependant on the control of the aphid vectors; reflective mulches can deter aphid
feeding; aphid outbreaks can be treated with mineral oils or insecticidal soap applications; some resistant
varieties are available
Watermelon mosaic
Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV)
Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely depending on species, cultivar, virus strain and environmental conditions; symptoms on
leaves may include green mosaic patternation, green vein-banding, chlorotic rings and disfigured leaves
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Virus is found in almost all Cucurbit growing regions in the world; virus is spread by over 20 aphid species
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Management
Treatments
Contact that control populations of aphid
us (mailto:mayor@plantvillage.psu.edu) vectors can also reduce the incidence of the virus; spraying plants
with mineral oils or insecticidal soaps can help to reduce aphid numbers
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Zucchini yellow mosaic
Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV)
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Symptoms
Infected
Pests plants are severely
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patternation, severe deformation, blistering, reduced size and necrosis; fruits are deformed
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Virus
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DIsease can cause devastating epidemics when present
Management
For
Use ofResearchers
resistant varieties, where available, is usually the most effective method of controlling the virus; control of
aphid populations on the plants can be achieved through the use of mineral oils and insecticidal soaps but is
rarely effective at controlling the virus
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Pests
Category : Insects
Aphids (Peach aphid, Melon aphid)

Myzus persicae
Aphid gossypii
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Peach aphid colony
Symptoms
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Small soft bodied insects on underside of leaves and/or stems of plant; usually green or yellow in color, but may
be pink, brown, red or black depending on species and host plant; if aphid infestation is heavy it may cause leaves
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to yellow and/or distorted, necrotic spots on leaves and/or stunted shoots; aphids secrete a sticky, sugary
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substance called honeydew which encourages the growth of sooty mold on the plants
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Cause
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Insects
Comments
Distinguishing features include the presence of cornicles (tubular structures) which project backwards from the
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body of the aphid; will generally not move very quickly when disturbed
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Management
If aphid
Pests population is limited
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(/diseases) to just a few leaves or shoots then the infestation can be pruned out to provide
control; check
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transplants for aphids before planting; use tolerant varieties if available; reflective mulches such as
silver colored plastic can deter aphids from feeding on plants; sturdy plants can be sprayed with a strong jet of
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water to knock aphids from leaves; insecticides are generally only required to treat aphids if the infestation is very
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high - plants generally tolerate low and medium level infestation; insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola
oil are
Video usually the best method of control; always check the labels of the products for specific usage guidelines
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Cabbage looper
Trichoplusia ni

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Symptoms
Large or small holes in leaves; damage often extensive; caterpillars are pale green with a white lines running
down either side of their body; caterpillars are easily distinguished by the way they arch their body when moving;
eggs are laid singly, usually on the lower leaf surface close to the leaf margin, and are white or pale green in color
Cause
Insect
Comments
Insects overwinter as pupae in crop debris in soil; adult insect id a dark colored moth; caterpillars have a wide host
range
Management
Looper populations are usually held in check by natural enemies; if they do become problematic larvae can be
hand-picked from the plants; an organically acceptable control method is the application of Bacillus
thuringiensis which effectively kills younger larvae; chemical sprays may damage populations of natural enemies
and should and should be selected carefully
Cutworms
Agrotis spp.
Peridroma saucia
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Nephelodes minians
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Cutworm
Video severing plant stem
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Symptoms
For
StemsResearchers
of young transplants or seedlings may be severed at soil line; if infection occurs later, irregular holes are
Stress
eatenMap (https://stressmap.plantvillage.psu.edu)
into the surface of fruits; larvae causing the damage are usually active at night and hide during the day in
the soil at the base of the plants or in plant debris of toppled plant; larvae are 2.5–5.0 cm (1–2 in) in length; larvae
may exhibit
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Insects
Comments
Cutworms have a wide host range and attack vegetables including asparagus, bean, cabbage and other crucifers,
carrot, celery, corn, lettuce, pea, pepper, potato and tomato
Management
Remove all plant residue from soil after harvest or at least two weeks before planting, this is especially important
if the previous crop was another host such as alfalfa, beans or a leguminous cover crop; plastic or foil collars fitted
around plant stems to cover the bottom 3 inches above the soil line and extending a couple of inches into the soil
can prevent larvae severing plants; hand-pick larvae after dark; spread diatomaceous earth around the base of
the plants (this creates a sharp barrier that will cut the insects if they try and crawl over it); apply appropriate
insecticides to infested areas of garden or field if not growing organically
Flea beetles
Epitrix spp.
Symptoms
Small holes or pits in leaves that give the foliage a characteristic “shothole” appearance; young plants and
seedlings are particularly susceptible; plant growth may be reduced; if damage is severe the plant may be killed;
the pest responsible for the damage is a small (1.5–3.0 mm) dark colored beetle which jumps when disturbed; the
beetles are often shiny in appearance
Cause
Insects
Comments
Younger plants are more susceptible to flea beetle damage than older ones; older plants can tolerate infestation;
flea beetles may overwinter on nearby weed species, in plant debris or in the soil; insects may go through a
second or third generation in one year
Management
In areas where flea beetles are a problem, floating row covers may have to be used prior to the emergence of the
beetles to provide a physical barrier to protect young plants; plant seeds early to allow establishment before the
beetles become a problem - mature plants are less susceptible to damage; trap crops may provide a measure of
control - cruciferous plants are best; application of a thick layer of mulch may help prevent beetles reaching
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surface; application on diamotecoeus earth or oils such as neem oil are effective control methods for organic
growers; application of insecticides containing carbaryl, spinosad, bifenthrin and permethrin can provide
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adequate control of beetles for up to a week but will need reapplied
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Thrips (Western
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Frankliniella occidentalis
Thrips tabaci
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Symptoms
If population is high leaves may be distorted; leaves are covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery; leaves
speckled with black feces; insect is small (1.5 mm) and slender and best viewed using a hand lens; adult thrips are
For Farmers
pale yellow to light brown and the nymphs are smaller and lighter in color
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Cause
Pests & Diseases
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Insect
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Comments
QTransmit viruses
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(/posts) such as Tomato spotted wilt virus; once acquired, the insect retains the ability to transmit the
virus for the remainder of its life
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Management
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Avoid planting next to onions, garlic or cereals where very large numbers of thrips can build up; use reflective
mulches early in growing season to deter thrips; apply appropriate insecticide if thrips become problematic
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Watermelon - Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation

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6/21/2021 Watermelon | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation

For Farmers (https://plantvillage-

Watermelon cut open to

Stress Map (https://stressmap.plantvillage.psu.edu)

Watermelon seedling Germinating watermelon

Alternaria leaf spot (Brown spot)

Alternaria lesions on melon foliage

Pests & Diseases

Close-up image of anthracnose Anthracnose

Pests & Diseases

Pests & Diseases

Discolored stem tissue caused by

Gummy stem blight symptoms on

Pests & Diseases

Gummy stem blight lesions on watermelon

Angular leaf spot

Bacterial fruit blotch

Symptoms of bacterial fruit blotch

Pests & Diseases

Aphids (Peach aphid, Melon aphid)

Peach aphid colony

Pests & Diseases

Pests & Diseases (/diseases)

Warnings map (/AfricaAI)

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