Odd watermelon spot - Ask Extension
Hello! I noticed that I have a few small odd spots on my watermelon plants. I also have a black outline around the edge of one of the leaves. Is it a ...
Knowledgebase
Odd watermelon spot #872663
Asked June 11, 2024, 4:32 PM EDT
Hello! I noticed that I have a few small odd spots on my watermelon plants. I also have a black outline around the edge of one of the leaves. Is it a material deficiency, or something else?
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
There are many fungi that may be causing the symptoms you see. Gummy stem blight is the most common cause and does resemble the dark edge and brown spots in your photo. I'm attaching two articles that describe problems with watermelon and specifically gummy stem blight. They include suggestions for management. Good luck with controlling this problem
https://ag.purdue.edu/department/arge/swpap/watermelon-diseases.html
https://extension.umn.edu/disease-management/gummy-stem-blight-and-black-rot
https://ag.purdue.edu/department/arge/swpap/watermelon-diseases.html
https://extension.umn.edu/disease-management/gummy-stem-blight-and-black-rot
Awesome! Thank you! If the stem is split open a good ways up, can it still be saved? Mine is like that and I’m concerned it may not be able to be saved because of that, though I’m not sure.
So long as the foliage remains green, the plant is likely healthy. Stem splits often seal over, so just keep up your customary care.
