Horticulture Research Station

Control of Anthracnose of Watermelon with Fungicide Sprays Timed According to the MelcastWarning System

Authors: Nenad - Tatalovic (Iowa State University) , Mark L. Gleason (Iowa State University) , Jean C. Batzer (Iowa State University)

Abstract

Watermelon anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum obriculare, is one of the most significant diseases of cucurbits in the U.S. Melcast is a disease-warning system that uses hourly leaf wetness and temperature data to help melon growers schedule fungicide applications for managing fungal diseases. Melcast translates hourly temperature and leaf wetness duration data into environmental favorability index (EFI) values. Fungicide applications are advised at intervals defined by epidemiological risk rating (EFI values) rather than time (days or weeks).

Keywords: Plant Pathology

How to Cite: Tatalovic, N. -. , Gleason, M. L. & Batzer, J. C. (2009) “Control of Anthracnose of Watermelon with Fungicide Sprays Timed According to the MelcastWarning System”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2008(1).