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Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora citrullina) affects all cucurbits, especially melons. Symptoms on foliage begin as small, round, light colored spots on older leaves that develop dark margins as they expand. Centers of spots may fall out. Yellow halos may develop as spots expand and coalesce; leaves may turn yellow. Under wet or humid conditions, stems and petioles may become infected. 

Cercospora leaf spot on foliage

(Photo: Parthasarathy Seethapathy, Amrita School of Agricultural Sciences, Bugwood.org)

Management:

• Space Plants for air circulation and rapid drying.
• Apply protectant fungicides beginning at vine touch. 
• Promptly remove and destroy diseased plant material during the growing season. 
• Manage weeds and potential alternative hosts. 
• Promptly destroy crop residues after harvest. 
• Deep plow to bury residual inoculum.

• Rotate with nonhost crops for at least 2 years. 

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