Pest and disease control methods for watermelon in summer and autumn

Watermelons cultivated in summer and autumn are the most susceptible to various pests and diseases. In the early stage, high temperature and drought make them highly prone to viral diseases, causing deformed growth of stems and leaves and loss of fruit-setting ability; under high temperature and high humidity, they are prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew, which reduce the photosynthetic function of the leaves; rainy and gusty weather makes them prone to anthracnose and phytophthora blight, and also prone to aphids, thrips, red spider mites, leafminers and other insect, weed and pest damage. The control of various pests, diseases and weeds should focus on prevention. In addition to strengthening cultivation management, timely pruning and removal of side shoots, and rational fertilization and watering, once pests, diseases or weeds are found, chemical control should be carried out promptly.