Valid 2024
EWS-Agronomy Troubleshooting Guide
Pythium Fruit Rot of Watermelon Caused by Pythium spp: Identification and management Approaches
What is the fruit rot in watermelon? The fruit rot usually begins on the sections of the fruit that contact the soil. Initial symptoms include the appearance of water-soaked lesions. These lesions can also develop on the upper fruit surface from inoculum splashed onto the fruit by rain or overhead irrigation.
Identification: Pythium fruit rot caused by Pythium spp., poses a significant threat to cucumbers, though it can also impact watermelon, pumpkin, and melon. Pythium spp. are found in almost every soil type worldwide. Fruit infection occurs through wounds or where fruit contact with wet soil. Symptoms Symptoms often begin as small, water-soaked lesions appearing on both immature and mature fruits near or in contact with the soil. White mycelium Water-soaked around the Within 72 hours, the disease can spread to the lesions infected fruit whole fruit and subsequent collapse of the fruit. In conditions of high moisture, affected lesions may display a striking white, cottony growth, serving as a clear indicator of the disease's presence and severity. For more information about the varieties EWS has, please contact
ewit-pds-specialist@eastwestseed.com