Organic & Chemical Remedies for Watermelon Anthracnose & Powdery Mildew

Published by ICAR Cucurbit Agronomy Panel • Category: Cucurbit Pathology • 5 min read

Watermelon anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare, attacks leaves, stems, and fruits, creating circular water-soaked leaf spots and sunken black rind lesions that degrade fruit sweetness and market value.

1. Diagnostic Symptoms

Leaf Spots: Circular dark brown spots that dry out, forming shot-holes in watermelon vine leaves.
Fruit Rind Spots: Sunken circular dark brown to black spots on ripening melons, often oozing pinkish fungal spores in wet weather.

2. ICAR Approved Fungicide Spray Dosages

🧪 Certified Chemical Spray Options (per Liter of Water):

Syngenta Amistar Top (Azoxystrobin + Difenoconazole): 1.0 ml per Liter of water. PHI: 7 Days.
Copper Hydroxide 77% WP (Kocide): 2.0 grams per Liter of water. PHI: 10 Days.
Carbendazim 50% WP (Bavistin): 1.0 gram per Liter of water. PHI: 14 Days.

3. Organic Prevention

Use plastic mulch over drip irrigation lines to stop soil splash transmission of fungal spores.
Spray 5% Neem Oil + Wettable Sulphur (3g/L) during early morning hours.

Disclaimer: Always consult your local Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO) or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientist before spraying high-concentration agro-chemicals.