Horticulture Research Station

Organic Practices for the Production of Muskmelon

Authors: Hayley Nelson (Iowa State University) , Mark Gleason (Iowa State University)

Abstract

Cucumber beetles provide a unique challenge to growers of muskmelon and other cucurbit crops in the Midwest. Spotted and striped cucumber beetles transmit bacterial wilt by feeding on infected plants. Beetles ingest the bacteria (Erwinia tracheiphila) and overwinter in soil. After emerging the following spring, beetles fly to nearby cucurbit crops to feed, continuing to spread bacterial wilt disease from plant to plant.

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How to Cite: Nelson, H. & Gleason, M. (2016) “Organic Practices for the Production of Muskmelon”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2015(1).