# Melon Vine Diseases
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Monosporascus Vine Decline
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Monosporascus root rot and vine decline is brought on by the pathogen Monosporascus cannonballus and is primarily a problem in exceptionally hot, dry growing areas. It affects all species of melon and watermelon, first showing itself in the form of stunted plant growth. This is followed by a yellowing of leaves, which then extends to a collapse of the melon vine. The fruit will be smaller than expected and may also be sunburned due to a loss of foliage.
Monosporascus Management
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In addition to damaging the quality of fruit, Monosporascus root rot and vine decline is capable of killing the entire plant through its attack on the root system and the eventual rotting away of the roots. The likelihood of Monosporascus vine decline being present in a crop is increased when melons are repeatedly grown in the same soil. To prevent this, gardeners should rotate their crops. Fungicidal treatments are also effective.
Powdery Mildew
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Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that produces a collection of white, fuzzy spots on both the leaves and vines of melons. Powdery mildew is prevalent in a wide variety of plants, but on melons it is a result of infection by the pathogen Podosphaera xanthii. It typically occurs when the plant is stressed by some other disease or concern. The simple act of fruiting also sometimes weakens the plant enough that it becomes more susceptible to powdery mildew. Fungicides may be effective against powdery mildew.
Vine Collapse
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Late-season vine collapse is a condition that occurs when melons mature late in the growing season, with the entire plant wilting and dying before the fruit is fully grown. It typically becomes a problem when a period of cool weather is immediately followed by sunny, warm days. It occurs because the roots of the plant become inactive and refuse to transport water when the soil temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The problem can be minimized by reducing the number of plants scheduled to mature late in the season.
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