Diseases

Powdery mildew of melon

Cucumis melo L.

A fungal disease of melon caused by the obligate biotrophs Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces cichoracearum. It manifests as a white coating on plant organs, causing chlorosis, leaf desiccation, and reduced fruit quality.

In the reference 670 varieties crop Melon, where this is mentioned in the description.

The pathogens Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces cichoracearum are specialized pathogens capable of existing either individually or as a mixed infection. The disease primarily affects the leaves, as well as stems and fruits, forming a powdery mycelium on their surface, which leads to a decrease in photosynthetic activity, premature leaf senescence, and a loss of fruit sweetness.

The pathogens possess high physiological specialization and are represented by a number of races adapted to infecting specific differential cultivars. In breeding programs, sources of genetic resistance are used to control the disease, including specific loci such as Pm-wWMR 29, often combined with resistance genes for other pests and diseases.

General information about the subject — on the page Powdery mildew.

Sources8

Varieties of Melon mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.