Essay On Muskmelon

Before planting muskmelon, it is important to start with a clean field to prevent competition between the weeds and the crops for water, fertiliser and sunlight. Muskmelon which also known as cantaloupe is susceptible to any danger or harm such as fungal rots after harvest. These rots occur on the external surface of the fruit and spreading inwards into the fruits’ flesh. Thus, dipping melons in hot water at 52-550C for 2 minutes can effectively control fungal rots in melon. Besides, storing cantaloupes at temperature below 20C will result in chilling injury. Chilling injury is characterized by pitting, off-flavours, and increased surface decay (Vincente et al., 2014). The major concerns of fungal pathogens are Alternaria, Penicillium, Cladosporium,

If the plant is infected, their leaves may lose as well as the size and quality of the fruit ay reduce. It can be particularly severe on muskmelon but also affects squash, cucumbers and watermelon. Infection is most likely to occur on vine crops weakened by poor growing conditions or aging. Symptoms first appear in the middle of the season on the leaves nearest to the centre of the plant and infected fruit have circular, sunken, brown spots that develop into a dark olive-green or black powdery mat. To help prevent this disease, proper soil fertility and moisture should be maintained throughout the season.

Powdery mildew is a foliar disease that occurs late in the season on muskmelons. The fungi which caused this disease are Erysiphe cichoracearum and Sphaerotheca fuliginea. These infection is favoured by warm and humid weather. Symptoms first appear as pale yellow spots on the oldest leaves. Later on, a white or brownish powdery growth covers the affected plants which causes the plant to wilt and die off. As a treatment of these disease, fungicides is used every five to seven days once the disease appears in the field to protect healthy plants and continue until