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Bacterial rind necrosis (undetermined bacterial pathogen[s]) affects watermelon only. Dry areas that are hardened, brown to reddishbrown, and corky develop in the rind interior. These necrotic spots can expand or merge to affect large portions of the rind. Symptoms are rarely visible on the surface of the rind, and flesh is not commonly affected.

Internal symptoms of bacterial rind necrosis.

(Photo: William Nesmith, University of Kentucky)

External symptoms of bacterial rind necrosis.

(Photo: David Langston, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)

Management:

• No controls are available.
• There is some indication that the pathogen can carry over in infested fields. Avoid fields where this disease has occurred in the past.

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