Horticulture Research Station

Effects of Row Cover Removal Timing in Organic Muskmelon

Authors: Zachary Torres (Iowa State University) , Jean C. Batzer (Iowa State University) , Mark L. Gleason (Iowa State University)

Abstract

Muskmelons are difficult to grow using organic practices because of bacterial wilt and the cucumber beetle that vectors the disease. Row covers can be placed over muskmelon transplants and then removed at anthesis (the period at which 50% of plants have female flowers). In addition to shielding muskmelons from bacterial wilt, row covers also can protect plants from early season frost, wind damage, and fungal diseases. However, the intensive labor needs of row-cover deployment have limited their use to small fields on small-scale farms

Keywords: Plant Pathology and Microbiology

How to Cite: Torres, Z. , Batzer, J. C. & Gleason, M. L. (2014) “Effects of Row Cover Removal Timing in Organic Muskmelon”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2013(1).