Watermelon wilt, also known as vine disease or fusarium wilt, is a serious soil-borne disease that can cause devastating losses in watermelon crops. In severe cases, it can reduce yields by over 50% or even lead to total crop failure. Especially during the rainy season in summer, it's crucial to manage the use of **pesticides** effectively and monitor the field regularly.
The symptoms of Fusarium wilt typically appear first on young seedlings, where the cotyledons and true leaves lose water rapidly. The base of the stem turns brown, becomes soft, and may collapse. The roots turn yellow-brown and begin to rot. In adult plants, the lower leaves wilt and appear dehydrated, especially during hot, sunny afternoons. Early infections may allow some recovery, but if left unchecked, the entire plant will eventually wilt and die. The vascular tissue from the base of the stem down to the roots turns brown, and the roots become rotten. However, the leaves often remain attached even after the plant dies.
According to information from the **Pesticide Network**, the Fusarium fungus thrives in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, with high humidity (78% or more). Prolonged cloudy weather, heavy rainfall, poor drainage, and improper farming practices can all contribute to the spread of the disease. Insufficient organic fertilizer, excessive nitrogen, and lack of phosphorus and potassium also increase the risk. Additionally, using uncomposted manure can introduce pathogens into the soil.
The occurrence of watermelon wilt is closely linked to crop rotation. Shorter rotation periods lead to higher disease incidence and increased pathogen buildup in the soil. The Fusarium pathogen infects the plant’s vascular system through natural wounds in the root hairs, causing blockages in the water transport system and leading to wilting. The disease is most noticeable during the fruit expansion stage.
Currently, one of the most effective methods for controlling Fusarium wilt is early intervention. When the watermelon starts flowering and fruiting, applying fungicides before symptoms appear can help prevent or reduce the disease. Based on years of experience, using 58% soluble antiviral powder diluted 300–500 times has proven effective. For the first infected plant, apply 150–200 grams of solution per plant, then repeat every two days for three consecutive irrigations. This method can control the disease with over 75% effectiveness.
For non-infected plants, preventive treatment across the entire field during the flowering and fruiting stages is recommended. Use a 500-fold dilution of 58% soluble antiviral powder at the beginning of fruit expansion, applying 150 grams per plant. Alternatively, during the early seedling stage after transplanting, use 100–200 mg of 5% bacterial agent per kilogram of water. Another option is to apply a 800–1000-fold dilution of potassium permanganate around the roots one week after planting, watering 3 times daily for 7 days. Other effective fungicides include 50% carbendazim, 75% chlorothalonil, 50% double effect, and 50% DT **fungicide**, which have shown good results in managing watermelon wilt.
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