Control Methods for Fusarium Fruit Rot of Hami Melon

Fusarium fruit rot of Hami melon, also known as white mold disease, is an important disease on Hami melon, mostly occurring during storage and transport, and Hami melon and honeydew melon are susceptible to damage.

The symptoms mainly affect the fruit. Initially, round, slightly sunken, light brown lesions appear at the fruit stalk, 10-30mm in size, then the surrounding area becomes water-soaked, and some diseased parts crack slightly; on the cracks, white cottony mycelium grows, sometimes pink, and sometimes orange-red sticky small granules are produced, namely the pathogen's sporodochia. In severe cases, the flesh becomes spongy and its sweetness fades, later turning purplish red, and the flesh becomes bitter and inedible.

The pathogen is caused by infection by various Fusarium species in the Deuteromycotina, with 4 common ones: FusariumsemitectumBerk.&Rav., called Fusarium semitectum; F.moniliformeSheldonvar.SubglutinansWoll.etReink., called Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans; F.OxysporumSchlecht, called Fusarium oxysporum; F.solani(Mart)App.etWollenw., called Fusarium solani.

Disease characteristics: Fusarium is widely present in soil and air, living saprophytically, and when conditions are suitable, it can invade through wounds, and after onset it produces conidia for secondary infection.

Control methods

(1) Select and plant disease-resistant varieties according to local conditions.

(2) Strengthen cultivation management.

Harvest at the right time, not too late, and make every effort to reduce various wounds; control temperature and humidity well during storage and transport, with Hami melon at 3-9°C and honeydew melon at 5-8°C, relative humidity should not exceed 85%, and pay attention to ventilation to remove moisture.

(3) Chemical control.

At the early stage of disease, spray 60% carbendazim hydrochloride (Fangmeibao) soluble powder at 700 times dilution or 50% carbendazim sulfonate (Rongjunling) wettable powder at 800 times dilution.

Commonly used agents: Fangmeibao, carbendazim.