Anthracnose

Colletotrichum orbiculare

Symptoms:
Early signs of infection by this bacterial disease are water-soaked spots on the leaves and fruit. Leaf spots develop into brown, papery necrotic lesions that have lighter centers. Spots on fruit develop into sunken pits.

Control:
The disease organism survives in infected fields in crop residue, so crop rotation is important. Several genetically resistant varieties of cucumber and watermelon are available. A preventative spray program may be required for effective control.

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