Brown Spots (Anthracnose) on Vine Crops
It starts with small yellowish or water soaked spots on the leaves that quickly enlarge and turn brown. This may be your first clue that the fungal disease, anthracnose, has moved into your melon, cucumber and gourd plantings.
This disease also attacks the stems and fruit. Severe stem lesions can girdle, preventing water from moving between the roots, leaves and vines. Although fruit lesions usually damage just the rind, not the edible portion, they do create an entryway for other insects and diseases.
Prevent anthracnose by growing resistant cultivars whenever possible. Do a thorough clean up at the end of the season and rotate plantings if space allows.
During the growing season water early in the morning so the plants dry completely before dark. If infection does occur you may decide to use a fungicide, according to label directions, to protect healthy plants from becoming infected.
A bit more information: This disease may survive in the soil for up to two years. Moisture spreads the disease and warm rainy weather increases the risk of infection. The disease may become epidemic when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees.
Related
Video
Categories
Upcoming Events & Webinars
Feb. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Plants that Go the Distance
Register here
Feb. 19, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
Feb. 25, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Flowering Houseplants
Register here
Mar. 5, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Start New Plants from Seeds, Cuttings and More
Register here
Mar. 11, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Save Money & Boost Your Growing Success with Bare Root Plants
Register here
Mar. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Patio, Deck and Balcony Gardens
Register here
March 21 & 28, 2026
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
More information
March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
April 1, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest
Register here
April 9, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
April 11, 2026
A Day in the Garden
Fond du Lac, WI
Register here
April 18, 2026
3rd Annual Spring Rally
Oshkosh, WI
Register here
April 19, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
April 23, 2026
Iowa State University
More information
April 25, 2026
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 26, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 2, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
May 9, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 10, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 16, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 17, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 21, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Planting & Care of Your Rain Garden
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
Sept. 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Tree Planting and Care
Register here
Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More
Book an Appearance
Enter for the chance to win
2 collections of
Dahlia bulbs!
ENTER NOW
