Muskmelon
Target Spot
Corynespora cassiicola
Fungal Disease
Corynespora cassiicola
Fungal Disease
Corynespora cassiicola
Fungal Disease
Corynespora cassiicola
Fungal Disease
Target spot is a damaging disease that primarily affects cucumbers but can also appear on other cucurbits. While it is rarely seen on watermelon, it can cause significant leaf damage on various cucurbit crops.
Symptoms:
- Cucumber: The disease starts as small, round lesions on older leaves. These lesions can expand, forming large necrotic sections. The center of the lesions may fall out, creating a shot-hole appearance.
- Watermelon: Symptoms are less common but include round or irregular leaf lesions that can lead to blighting. The lesions may also expand and form shot-holes in the leaves.
- Pumpkin: On pumpkin leaves, the round lesions are often surrounded by a large yellow halo, giving a distinctive appearance as the disease progresses.
Target spot spreads rapidly under favorable conditions and can severely affect the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, leading to reduced crop yield. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial to minimize damage.
