Bp-64-w Melcast

Alternaria leaf blight is a much greater threat to muskmelons than watermelons. The disease is caused by a fungus (Alternaria cucumerina) that can rapidly defoliate plants, causing reductions in bulk yield. Melons on defoliated vines ripen prematurely and result in lower quality fruit compared to melons produced on healthy vines. Yield losses greater than 50% will occur in situations where the disease is established early in the season and weather conditions throughout the summer are favorable for disease spread. Alternaria infections occur only on leaves. Petioles, stems, and fruit are not directly affected by the pathogen (Figure 1). Lesions begin as small, tan or brown spots that may appear watersoaked on the underside of leaves. Older lesions Richard Latin, Professor of Plant Pathology ([email protected])