Fruit rot on watermelon
Image provided by S. Kousik
Phytophthora capsici:
In watermelon, Phytophthora capsici primarily infects either seedlings or fruit, causing fruit rot. P. capsici is favored by rain and warm temperatures and spreads rapidly via water, including irrigation and surface water sources. The pathogen can overwinter in the soil and spores can persist in infested soil for as long as 10 years. Phytophthora also affects squash and cucumber.
More information about Phytophthora fruit rot
- Managing Phytophthora on Cantaloupe, Muskmelon and Watermelon, Michigan State University
- Are your cucurbits infected with Phytophthora capsici?, NC State blog
- Phytophthora blight fact sheet, Cornell University
- Life cycle of Phytophthora capsici, Cornell University
- Phytophthora Blight and Its Management in Cucurbit Crops and Other Vegetables, Cornell University
- Susceptible crops and weeds, Cornell University
- What can I do to keep Phytophthora blight off of my farm?, Cornell University
- What can I do if Phytophthora blight is already on my farm?, Cornell University
- Vegetable Diseases Caused by Phytophthora capsici in Florida
