Fruit Rots on Pumpkins, Gourds, and Winter Squashes, Black rot and Anthracnose on Cucurbita sp.
Anthracnose
A group of fungal diseases that affect plants in warm, humid areas; on watermelon symptoms start as small, irregular, dark brown spots on leaves that are ¼ inch in diameter. These spots enlarge, more spots appear, and entire leaves are killed.
Watermelon Fungicide Guide | Clemson
Four foliar diseases reduce watermelon yields in South Carolina. Gummy stem blight and powdery mildew are the most common diseases in spring crops.
South Carolina Grower Update | June 17, 2024
Watermelons are just starting to be harvested and the quality is good. Extension Agents are seeing some diseases in melons and squash, particularly gummy stem blight. Anthracnose is starting to cause a few problems for growers.
Managing anthracnose disease in watermelons
The disease primarily impacts cucumbers and watermelons, but other cucurbits can also serve as hosts. Its symptoms consist of leaf spots, defoliation and an occasional fruit lesion. It can also spread in the fruit bins after harvest, which makes it more difficult to control.
Excessive Spring rain challenged watermelon crop
Early onset of foliar diseases, like downy mildew and gummy stem blight with a little bit of anthracnose made this an expensive spray year.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | March 2024
Anthracnose has been reported in watermelon plants submitted to Southwest Florida Research & Education Center.
Anthracnose and Downy mildew disease symptoms in watermelons
Growers should consult Extension personnel when deducing what problem they might have. A wrong diagnosis could have financial repercussions.
USDA grant addresses Anthracnose in Cucurbits
Several CucCAP Team members are collaborating on an important USDA project focused on managing anthracnose in cucurbits. University of Georgia Scientists will lead the team from Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, New York and the USDA Vegetable Laboratory in Charles, South Carolina.
