Watermelon Cannonballus Disease - What Causes Watermelon Root Rot

Watermelon Cannonballus Disease – What Causes Watermelon Root Rot. Watermelon root rot is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Monosporascus cannonballus. Also known as watermelon vine decline, it can cause massive crop loss in affected watermelon plants.

1. What causes watermelons to rot?
2. How do you stop the end rot on a watermelon?
3. What causes root rot?
4. Can plants recover from root rot?
5. How do you stop melon rot?
6. How often should I water my watermelon plants?
7. What is the fastest way to add calcium to soil?
8. How do you add calcium to watermelon soil?
9. What is the best fertilizer for watermelon?
10. What are signs of root rot?
11. Does hydrogen peroxide kill root rot?
12. How do I know if my plants have root rot?

What causes watermelons to rot?

Blossom rot in watermelons is caused by a lack of calcium, but simply adding more calcium isn't going to help the situation. ... More often than not, watermelon blossom end rot occurs when water levels are fluctuating during fruit initiation.

How do you stop the end rot on a watermelon?

Limiting Nitrogen

Blossom end rot in melons can be deterred by planting melons in well-draining soil to encourage a deep and large root system that will take up more calcium. Mulch around plants to help hold moisture.

What causes root rot?

Root rot is primarily caused by poor drainage of damp soil, overwatering or a poorly functioning root system. Prolonged exposure to excess water causes waterlogging, which interferes with aeration of the roots, leading to low oxygenation and decay.

Can plants recover from root rot?

Once root rot is identified, you must determine if the plant can be saved. If the entire root system has already become mushy, it is too late to save the plant. However, if some healthy, white, firm roots exist, try to bring the plant back to good health by replanting in fresh soil with good drainage.

How do you stop melon rot?

Use a cage, plastic mulch, stakes, straw mulch or other materials to protect the fruit from the ground. You can even use a wooden board for the fruit to rest on as it matures.

How often should I water my watermelon plants?

While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the vine's base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering once fruit are growing.

What is the fastest way to add calcium to soil?

When you feed your plants, you can add plain yogurt at 2 oz per gallon of water, and molasses as well, for more calcium plus some carbohydrates, at a rate of 2 oz per gallon of water. Eggshells work well, but take a while to break down, so the calcium is not available to the plant right away.

How do you add calcium to watermelon soil?

Dolomitic lime adds calcium. You can't have too much calcium in the soil, so don't worry. The plant will only use what it needs even if there is “too much.” If you can gently scratch it in without disturbing the plant too much, that's a good thing. Then water it in liberally to make it available to the roots.

What is the best fertilizer for watermelon?

When fertilizing watermelon plants, use nitrogen based fertilizer at the onset. Once the plant begins flowering, however, switch to feeding the watermelon a phosphorus and potassium based fertilizer. Watermelons require ample potassium and phosphorus for optimal melon production.

What are signs of root rot?

Root rot is often hard to detect until a lot of damage has been done. Signs of root rot are slow growth, mushy stems, and wilting, yellow, distorted leaves (especially when the plant has been well watered, as wilting leaves can also be a sign of a dry plant).

Does hydrogen peroxide kill root rot?

While root rot can be devastating to your garden, it can be treated with Hydrogen Peroxide. Using a 3% solution, carefully pour the H2O2 around the base and roots of your plant to kill off bacteria. H2O2 will also help to aerate your soil and prevent future cases of root rot.

How do I know if my plants have root rot?

Diagnose the issue - If your plant has been dropping leaves, yellowing, or getting soft, mushy leaves, you may have root rot. Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. If they are soft, wet, brown, and/or mushy, it's time to roll up your sleeves and treat the roots.