We encountered huge problems in watermelon cultivation in our region. As a result of my literature and laboratory studies, I could not come to a definitive conclusion. I am waiting for your help on this issue. Watermelon rind necrosis, fruit cracks and leaf lesions appear together.
Hakan Çelik From the pictures it is possible to suggest a bacterial disease (systemic fungal infection is on the second place), but for more clear picture it is important to know other details:
1) weather conditions 2-3 weeks before the first symptoms;
2) dynamics of symptoms development - when and where the first symptoms have appeared, rate of their development.
3) distribution of diseased plants in field - random, spots, field borders, etc.
4) changes in stems of diseased plants (cut along the stem, make pictures)
Anyway, only laboratory analysis can confirm bacterial/fungal nature of such disease.
It could be drought, heat, viral or a bacterial infection as Alex Ignatov said. I think you need to do a few microscopy or culture lab tests. And maybe a trial, varying water content of substrate and environmental temperature :)
Dear Alex Ignatov,
1. Weather conditions were below seasonal norms and symptoms appeared with the subsequent heat wave.
2. The first symptoms were seen on the old leaves of the plants at the edge of the field. Within two weeks after the first symptoms, symptoms appeared in the entire 20-hectare area.
3. It occurred throughout the area and in all plants, without exception.
4. Production period has ended, we don't have sick plants.,
I observed this problem in all Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia of Turkey regions. I observed that density increases according to the temperature increase rates in the regions. Efficiency loss was between 90% and 10%.
Hakan Çelik Your description is similar to spreading of bacterial or virus disease, transmitted by insects/mites. Symptoms are not typical for common diseases, but they can be cultivar/weather/pathogen strain - specific.
We can only guess now about the pathogen. You can analyse soil, plant debris, irrigation water, weeds surrounding infected fields, and probably, watermelon seeds for possible pathogens. I would collect soil samples from the infected field in small pots (1-3 L) and sow watermelon seeds in warm (24-28oC) climatic chamber/greenhouse.
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