Fusarium is common in cucurbit fields. Starting with clean seed and crop rotation are two important management principles.
Fusarium wilt
Five Fusarium wilt management strategies
Management of Fusarium wilt of watermelon is one of the best examples of IPM.
Five practices can be used. Grafting is a stand-alone practice. It’s so effective that it’s not necessary to combine it with any other technique. The other four practices work best when combined. Cover cropping with vetch reduces the amount of Fusarium spores in soil. Delaying transplanting as long as possible. Soil temperatures above 78 to 81°F at 2- to 4-inch depths reduce the number of diseased plants. Choosing cultivars with resistance helps reduce the number of diseased plants in soils infested with Fusarium. The fifth technique is conventional fungicides.
Fusarium wilt had major impact on watermelons
There were about 1,500 additional acres planted this year in North Florida following last year’s bumper crop and high prices. However, fusarium wilt disease had a major impact on this year’s crop.
Managing Fusarium wilt in watermelon
Growing susceptible cultivars will infest fields with a higher level of Fusarium each time they are planted, leading to long-term problems with Fusarium wilt. Grafting is the most effective option.
SC Grower Exchange Podcast
In this podcast, Professor of Plant Pathology Research and Extension Vegetable Pathologist, Dr. Anthony Keinath discusses recent observations and tips for dealing with fusarium wilt, specifically in watermelons.
Accurate Diagnosis Constant Monitoring key to managing Fusarium wilt
Cool and cloudy weather patterns associated with this year’s El Niño climate have created conducive conditions for Fusarium wilt.
South Carolina Grower Update | April 15, 2024
Watermelons and cantaloupes are still being planted. Over the past few weeks there have been a few days of heavy rain events and windy weather has put some growers behind schedule. Soil temperature is still cool due to the inconsistent weather patterns we are having, which means fusarium wilt is still active, and a potential threat to watermelons.
Favorable Weather for Fusarium pathogen
North Florida watermelon producers have observed Fusarium wilt symptoms in some fields. As the disease develops, plants will exhibit low vigor, wilting during the hottest parts of the day and have a grayish-green appearance.
