Colletotrichum spp., which causes anthracnose is an emerging threat to watermelon and cucumber production in the east coast. UGA leads effort to tackle emerging threat to watermelons.
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.
SC Grower weekly report | July 3, 2023
Cucurbits are being harvested in multiple regions of S.C. In the Midlands, Squash are still being picked with anthracnose present at greater frequency. Mosaic virus has also been more prevalent. Disease pressure is high. Striped cucumber beetle and army worms have been seen on squash.
Research Updates on Georgia Cucurbits
Cucurbit production in Georgia is affected annually by a variety of pests and diseases. Two diseases in particular, fusarium wilt and cucurbit anthracnose, have been a cause of concern for the last five years.
Specialty Crop News | Watermelon Anthracnose
Outbreaks of Anthracnose in watermelon and cucumber have occurred in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware and New York recently. University of Georgia Plant Pathologists discuss management of Anthracnose in Cucuribts.
Watermelon Fungicide Guide
Cucurbit Anthracnose | Management strategies include resistant varieties
Alabama plant pathologists highlight management options for Anthracnose in cucurbits including using disease resistant varieties.
Anthracnose Awareness | VSCNews
Anthracnose is a disease noticed on cucurbits in warm and high moisture conditions. The symptoms are noticed on leaves as necrotic lesions with or without cracked centers.
USDA AMS Revises Standards for Watermelon
AMS is establishing a total tolerance for anthracnose and decay in the U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades.