Effect of Row Covers on Suppression of Bacterial Wilt of Muskmelon in Iowa

• DOI: 10.1094/php-2006-1020-02-rs
• Publication Date: 2008-05-21T21:56:28Z
• Authors: Daren S. Mueller; Mark L. Gleason; Adam J. Sisson; Jon M. Massman
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; 01 natural sciences

Spun polyester row covers, alone and in combination with insecticides, were evaluated for management of bacterial wilt of muskmelon at three locations in Iowa during 2003 and 2004. Following removal of row covers at bloom, more spotted cucumber beetles were counted in the plots with row covers than in the non-covered plots. Row covers delayed the onset of bacterial wilt symptoms and reduced bacterial wilt incidence. In both years, row covers increased both number and yield of marketable melons. There were no significant differences in beetle counts or melon yield among insecticide treatments in 2003. In 2004, however, each of the insecticide treatments had more marketable melons than the non-treated control. Row covers may enable cucurbit growers to reduce reliance on insecticides for managing bacterial wilt. Accepted for publication 31 July 2006. Published 20 October 2006.