Monosporasus Root Rot Symptoms
Monosporasus Root Rot - (fungus - Monosporascus cannonballus):
Foliage begins to yellow as plants near maturity. Leaves dieback
progressively from the crown outward and plants die prematurely.
The taproot is usually necrotic with brownish discoloration in
the vascular tissues. The fungus reproduces on small secondary
roots. Perithecia (small black spherical structures) of the
fungus can be seen on secondary host if plants are carefully dug
from soil. Rotation and soil fumigation are effective
controls. No resistant varieties are known. Monosporasus root
rot is primarily a disease on cantaloupe.
December 20, 1995
