Gummy Stem Blight

This disease is caused by a fungus which infects mostly cantaloupes cucumbers and watermelons in the Coastal Plain region. The disease appears as brown lesions on leaves, petioles or stems. If the stem is infected, the lesion will elongate along the stem and the vine beyond the lesion will wither and die. With older lesions expect to see a gummy ooze.

Control: Pull out and destroy infected vines. Remove and discard crop debris at the end of the growing season. Rotate with other vegetables other than vine crops or melons for two years. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering. Fungicides are available.