Damping-Off

Causal Agents: (fungi ‑ Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp.)

Seedlings wilt and die.   The lower stems have a watersoaked appearance.  Damping-off is usually a problem of direct-seeded watermelons germinating in cool, moist soil [wmd23.jpg], but Pythium aphanidermatum can rapidly kill new transplants in warm soils [wmd24.jpg].  A soil application of mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold) at the time of planting will prevent damping-off caused by Pythium species.