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Southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) is primarily seen on cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, and watermelon. Symptoms begin where fruit comes in contact with the soil surface. Affected areas are soft and water-soaked and will be covered with a dense mat of white, fan-like fungal growth. Often, numerous survival structures called sclerotia will be associated with fungal growth and are generally small (roughly the size of a mustard seed), round, and tan to brown in color.

Southern blight on pumpkin.

(Photo: Kenny Seebold, University of Kentucky)

Close-up of sclerotia.

(Photo: Kenny Seebold, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Crop rotation
• Deep turning of crop residues prior to planting

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