David Owens, Extension Entomologist, owensd@udel.edu
Congratulations to Chris Holton and Chris Burkhart for correctly identifying Fusarium wilt. Even though the melon plant looks okay now, even a bit thirsty, it will soon completely collapse. The field was in melons two years ago, and at least 10% of plants have died within the last 3 weeks. Recommended treatments in the Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations guide suggests using seedless and pollinizers that have resistance to race 1 Fusarium, waiting 5 years before planting back into a field, and applying Proline through the drip and Rhyme foliar. I thought insects were frustrating to treat for.
