Hi, I have several cantalope plants growing in my garden and I have noticed when a cantalope gets close to maturity a weird white fungus starts growing on the bottom of the fruit where it rests on the ground. What can I do to stop this? I am trying not to put too many chemicals on my garden this year. I live in zone 7 of north alabama and it is very humid right now. THanks, Cjungen
Posts: 51 | Location: North Alabama | Registered: May 21, 2005
I suspect fusarium rot from contact of the fruit with the soil. You will need to either grow the vines on a trellis and use pantihose, netting or some type of mesh bucket to keep the fruit off the ground. You could even just put the fruit on something like a mesh bucket or pail that sits on the ground. From this site which has some helpful growing info: http://www.uga.edu/vegetable/melon.html
quote:
Fusarium rot is caused by the soil borne fungus F. roseum. Ripe fruit are most affected. Plastic culture reduces the pressure of this disease, which may be caused by fruit contact with the soil through a point of entry caused by an insect or mechanical injury. Infection may also occur during and after harvest if infected fruits come in contact with healthy fruits, plants or soil. Moist environments can lead to an increased susceptibility and presence of disease. The fungus survives in infected plant parts and/or the soil from season to season. It may also survive on the roots and stems of dead plants. Removal of plant material after harvest is essential for reducing inoculum, as is strategic fungicide application. Tan lesions of one inch in diameter may occur anywhere on the fruit. The decay moves inward, often through all layers of tissue. Diseased tissue is delineated from healthy, and can be easily removed. However, such affected fruit are not marketable.
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
Jungen-- When I was small, my dad grew some killer "lopes. As a fruit became evident, he would put it on an asbestos shingle. Thats what was on our house. Leftovers or broken. Don't recommend the asbestos ones, but you might try some glazed ceramic or plastic ones. Think yard sale or odd lot at your local H.I. center. Try it, might work. HTH, helper
This message has been edited. Last edited by: helper,
I looked at the site and my cantalope looks more like Pythium fruit rot. I have started putting the fruits on top of the leaves and stems trying to get them off the ground. Infortunately my cantalope is in the lowest part of my garden and when it rains it really gets wet.
THanks for the info.
Cjungen
Posts: 51 | Location: North Alabama | Registered: May 21, 2005
Helper, I just noticed your reply. I'll see if I can find some kind of tile to put under the fruit. I have at least 20 fruits growing and I would hate to lose them all. Next year I might try the trellis method that Newt suggested.
Thanks for your info, Cjungen
Posts: 51 | Location: North Alabama | Registered: May 21, 2005
