Pythium Fruit Rot of Watermelon
Caused by Identification:
the fruit that contact the soil. Initial symptoms
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.
Within 72 hours, the disease can spread to the 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.
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Water-soaked lesions
White mycelium around the infected fruit
Pythium Fruit Rot of Watermelon (2)
Favorable conditions for the development of Pythium and fruit rot disease
Pythium species possess a remarkable resilience, surviving indefinitely as thick-walled oospores or on various organic substrates, which allows them to survive even in unfavorable conditions.
The presence of free moisture triggers the production of sporangia and zoospores, which are key to the pathogen's infective cycle. These zoospores swim towards their target, facilitating infection either through direct penetration or more effectively when the fruit is wounded.
Additionally, plants that exhibit excessive succulence, often a result of poor growing conditions and excessive nitrogen, become highly susceptible to Pythium infections.
The favorable conditions for disease spread and development are warm and wet conditions. Rainy season production, overhead irrigation, high relative humidity and poor drainage soil are enhancing disease incidence and severity.
Pythium Fruit Rot of Watermelon (3)
Management approaches
Effective management approaches in fruit cultivation can significantly reduce the risk of bottom rot, a common issue caused by direct contact with soil.
One innovative method is to elevate the fruits above the ground, ensuring they are less susceptible to moisture retention and fungal infections. Utilizing a plastic cup or fluffy layer of straw or wood chips beneath the fruits not only enhances airflow but also prevents soil contact that minimizes rotting infection. In addition, promotes even ripening leading to healthier produce and improved yield. By adopting these proactive strategies, farmers can harvest good quality fruits from the fields.
