ANTHRACHNOSE DISEASE IN MELON (Cucumis melo L.)

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum obiculare) of melons is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum species. It appears as sunken black lesions on the fruit and spots on the leaves and stems. Symptoms include yellow spots that turn brown and brittle on the leaves, dark, elongated lesions on the stems, and sunken circular spots on the fruit that can produce pink or orange spore masses in wet conditions. The disease is spread by wind, rain, and infected seeds or plant debris and thrives in warm, humid weather.