6 Causes of Dying Cantaloupe Plant and How to Fix It?

Spanspek, rockmelon, and sweet melons are all common names for cantaloupe. Cantaloupe plants are grown primarily for their fruits. It takes 80-90 days for cantaloupes to reach harvest. Plants like this are annuals, so if you want constant produce, you must plant them yearly. There are diseases/disorders associated with the Cantaloupe plant, just like all other plants.

If your Cantaloupe plant has brown spots on the leaves, it is probably dying from Alternaria leaf blight or Cercospora leaf spots. Cantaloupe plants can also be damaged by overwatering. Whiteflies and spider mites can also cause yellowing of the foliage. The plant may be infected with Cucurbit bacterial wilt if it is wilting and dying. Now let’s find out what they are and how they can be fixed.

6 Causes of Dying Cantaloupe Plant

Due to Cold Temperatures

Especially when temperatures drop below 10°C, cantaloupe plants are sensitive to cold temperatures. As a result of cold temperatures, plants will have a slow metabolism, making it harder for them to absorb nutrients as well as water from the soil. It can cause the leaves of cantaloupe to wilt or droop. The color change of cantaloupe leaves from olive green to brown is a sign of stress and dehydration.

The whole leaf, the young shoots, or the plant may turn a different color if nothing is done. Cold weather can cause cantaloupe leaves and flowers to fall off, so give them the right conditions to grow. Raised beds improve drainage and warmth, and rows of covers or cloths protect from the cold when you plant them in a warm and sunny location. Keeping the plants healthy and preventing wilting can also be accomplished by regularly providing water and food.

Due to Overwatering

There are several reasons for leaf yellowing, but overwatering is probably the most common. It is important to remember that sweet melon plants love wet soil but do not need to be waterlogged. It is important to water consciously, and if necessary, you should check the soil with your fingers and only water when it is completely dry.

To prevent fungal infections of the leaves, water the soil directly rather than wetting the leaves. Once the fruits begin to grow, you should reduce your watering. If you time correctly, you can provide plants with just enough water with a sprinkler irrigation system. Watering them may not be necessary if it has been raining a lot. Let the rain do its thing.

Due to Too Much Sunlight

Cantaloupe leaves can turn brown when exposed to too much sunlight. In hot, sunny climates, leaf burn is a common problem. Unlike browning caused by too much water or infection, crispy and brown edges will be present on the leaves. Watch your cantaloupe plants for signs of leaf burn if you are growing them in a hot, sunny climate. Provide shade and reduce the water they receive if you see any browning.

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You can prevent leaf burn by providing some shade for your plants. By planting them in a partially shaded area or using a tarp or other shade material, you can prevent them from getting too much direct sunlight. You can try trimming off the brown leaves if they are already brown. Plants will concentrate their energy on new growth. A shadier location can also be chosen for the plant.

Due to Anthracnose

The vines of cantaloupe plants suffering from anthracnose may also have sunken, long, reddish-brown lesions that may leak a sticky fluid. These lesions are caused by the fungus getting into the plant’s blood vessels, causing it to wilt and possibly die. Further damage to the plant may also result from the lesions providing an entry point for other pathogens.

When wet, anthracnose can cause circular dark spots on fruit, with salmon-colored spores in the center. When untreated, anthracnose can cause significant crop damage in the middle to late season. The key to preventing fungal problems in your garden is prevention. To prevent the spread of disease, choose plant varieties that are resistant to it. Those seeds that have not been exposed to the disease can be selected from western-grown plants.

You shouldn’t save seeds from plantings if this fungal problem is widespread, as this can spread the disease. When plants are wet, keep them out of gardens and disinfect all garden tools after use to prevent the spread of the disease. Garden tools can be disinfected with a solution of one part bleach in four parts water.

Due to Alternaria Leaf Blight

The disease begins with yellow-brown spots on the leaves surrounded by yellow-green halos. In the older leaves of the plant, you can see this. As these spots enlarge and merge, they become large lesions. In time, necrotic patches appear on the leaves, causing them to curl and eventually die.

It is quite common in areas with frequent rainfall and warmer temperatures. It is advisable to rotate crops with other plants every two years to prevent this from happening. Ensure that the garden bed is free of leaf debris. It is best not to wet the leaves of the plant. Water the plant only from the bottom when watering.

Due to Squash Vine Borer

Squash vine borer moths lay their eggs on cantaloupe stems. The larvae burrow into the stem and feed on the plant’s sap when the eggs hatch. The plant eventually dies due to this feeding, causing the leaves to yellow and wilt. To identify squash vine borer in your cantaloupe plant, look for holes near the base filled with green or orange excrement. It is a sure sign that larvae are present.

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The best way to protect your cantaloupe plants is to prevent squash vine borer infestations. Each year, plant cantaloupes in a different location to prevent pests from building up in the soil. Early in the season, use floating row covers to prevent squash vine borers from laying eggs on your plants. Any plants showing signs of squash vine borer should be removed, destroyed, and disposed of properly. Last but not least, use sticky traps from mid-June through July to catch and kill adult squash vine borer.

Conclusion

Cantaloupe growers often struggle with wilting and falling leaves, but figuring out why is not always easy. It has many possible causes, from environmental problems to fungal diseases and insect infestations. This article will direct you on saving dying plants and keeping cantaloupes healthy and vibrant.

6 Causes of Dying Cantaloupe Plant and How to Fix It?