Growers have several effective chemical treatment options available for gummy stem blight and downy mildew control.
Gummy stem blight
2022 Clemson Watermelon Field Day
CucCAP plant pathologist, Tony Keinath, will address gummy stem blight fungus resistance to Tebuconazole.
Florida Watermelon Disease Update | June 2, 2022
The main disease seen on watermelon at this time is gummy stem blight. Producers of watermelons should continue to scout regularly for downy mildew and powdery mildew.
Cucurbit Crop & Disease Management News | June 2022
Cucurbit Crop and Disease updates from plant pathologists and cooperative extension agents in the South and Midwest.
Management of Gummy Stem Blight
UF/IFAS Extension confirmed this week that gummy stem blight disease is beginning to become a problem for Florida watermelons. Gummy stem blight causes lesions on leaves and stems and leads to defoliation. The disease favors warm, wet conditions.
Disease update for Florida watermelons
UF/IFAS Extension reports on disease priorities for Florida cucurbit growers. Management of Downy mildew, gummy stem blight, and powdery mildew management on watermelon and cantalope.
Gummy Stem Blight on watermelon and cucumbers
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, Gummy stem blight disease has increased in cucurbit fields across southwest Florida in recent weeks. It has become the predominate disease in some watermelon fields in the area. The disease remains moderate in cucumber crops on the east coast.
