Watermelons That Rot Easily

Types of Watermelons

• The smallest watermelons are known as "icebox" watermelons, for the fact that they can be stored in most coolers. They weigh 5 to 15 pounds and include varieties such as Sugar Baby and Tiger Baby.

  Mid-size watermelon types include Allsweet, Crimson Sweet and seedless watermelons. These types of watermelons weigh 10 to 35 pounds and encompass a long list of regional varieties. Yellow or orange flesh-toned watermelons are also included in this category.

  The largest type of watermelon is the Jubilee, which weighs 20 to 45 pounds.

Belly Rot

• When any variety of watermelon experiences what's known as "belly rot" --- the blackening of skin on the fruit --- it's usually a result of too much water, either as a result of humidity or rainfall. Typically, the portion of the watermelon skin that is touching the ground develops a black spot, which spreads. If you see a watermelon affected by this, improve the drainage in the area so that not as much water collects on the ground.

Bacterial Rot

• Bacterial rot, also known as bacterial blotch, can also affect all varieties and types of watermelon. It is the result of a fungal infection growing on the watermelon, which is a common occurrence when you're dealing with a sugary fruit growing in hot, moist conditions. It also looks like a black spot on the watermelon, though unlike belly rot, it does not necessarily start at the point where the fruit touches the ground.

  If you see bacterial rot, spray the area with a fungicide. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to how much to spray and how often. Since this fungus can live in the soil for years, refrain from planting watermelons in that same spot the following season.

Black Rot

• Black rot can easily be confused with belly rot or bacterial rot, as it also creates a waterlogged black spot on the watermelon. However, you can identify it as black rot because the waterlogged spot starts as an oily-looking blemish before it darkens. Black rot also causes the leaves of the watermelon vine to turn yellow, one of the most telltale signs.

  If your watermelons are affected by black rot, use a fungicide, just as you would with bacterial rot, and refrain from planting watermelons in the same spot the following season. Both bacterial rot and black rot are caused by fungal infections that can live in the soil for years. Ensuring that your soil is well-drained and does not retain a lot of water will help prevent both of these fungal infections.