Integrated approaches to manage Phytophthora fruit rot of watermelon caused by Phytophthora capsici
Led by Alyssa Betts, Ph.D. and Shiv Singla from the University of Delaware
Summary of Results:
• A ‘Calienete rojo’ biofumigant crop planted and incorporated in the fall showed better
alignment with watermelon production practices than spring planting and incorporation.
• Biofumigation did not enhance watermelon count or yield but showed numerical
improvements in pumpkin count and yield compared to fallow treatment.
• Under moderate disease pressure, integration of mustard meal injection may hold
potential for yield improvement, particularly in organic programs.
Our results indicate that producers interested in use of biofumigant crops to aid management of
Phytophthora fruit rot could consider fall planting and incorporation with potential to enhance
cucurbit yield while avoiding logistical constraints of delayed watermelon planting. Additionally,
mustard meal injections show possibility of enhanced control of P. capsici in organic fungicide
programs.