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France

Hi,

I transplanted my watermelon , 10 days ago.
I buried them up to the first leaves.
Today, one of them looks totally dead , flat.
I don't know why. I dig gently around the vine and notice the whole length is brown and dry.
What's the problem ?
Thanks by advance

5/31/2010 9:21:39 AM

formerly RGG

Did you avoid disturbing the roots any when you transplanted ? Did you water thoroughly after planting to eliminate any air pockets? Did you go from somewhat shady to full sun without providing some protection for the plant? If it isn't insect damage or disease then something in the growing conditions provided may have changed to the point the plant could not take it. It is very difficult for anyone to know without being there and if you are there then sometimes it is still hard or impossible to determine the cause of a casualty.

5/31/2010 5:48:33 PM

France

The plant was in a pot in the greenhouse since a month so no problem with sun or temp shock.
I watered the plant straigh away so no air pockets.
I check the whole plant and root, not a single insect.
When I transplanted the melon , I removed gently the plastic pot, and plant it. I didn't disturbed the root system at all.
Still can't understand what happens.
Thank you

5/31/2010 6:57:59 PM

formerly RGG

Sometimes these things are never figured out completely. Perhaps someone else can offer some insight. Good luck. TD

5/31/2010 7:27:14 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Curious about weather conditions in France, this time of year. There has been some debate on how deep to bury melon sprouts...at least one has said if weather is still on the cool side to plant roots only, not up to the cots!!! Just a thought!! Peace, Wayne
PS...I am assuming that "up to the first leaves" means up to the cots!

5/31/2010 11:57:16 PM

France

Weather was sunny and warm when I decided to transplant them. ( in greenhouse)

6/1/2010 5:25:41 AM

Corryton, TN

It sounds like bacterial wilt, but I've never heard of it killing a watermelon plant. Squash, cantaloupes, pumpkins are very susceptible. I hope and don't think it is bacterial wilt but keep an eye on your other plants. I guess it could mutate and if it does we need to stop it.

6/1/2010 6:55:25 AM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

Mehdi:

I germinate my seeds in a greenhouse but they still require hardening off. My greenhouse is covered with fiberglass and anything I grow requires hardening off
by slowly introducing it to full sun.

As said above it is impossible to know without being there.

6/1/2010 8:42:40 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Sounds like it could be phytophthora. The way you described it sounds like our watermelon plants from last year. We had the leaves tested last year & this is what they found. Don't let the wet dirt touch the leaf or leaf stem or this could cause you big trouble. We've lost all our plants the past 2 years because of this. Treat it with a good fungicide & maybe it'll stop it's progress. Good luck.

Jane & Phil

6/1/2010 9:34:08 AM

France

Thanks for your help
My second watermelon is still growning perfectly in the same conditions. Fingers crossed.

6/1/2010 1:10:50 PM

sevierville, Tn

If no bugs or chewing/ bite evidence, then i agree.. some kind of bacterial diseases. Treat with a good fungicide.
Good luck.
What kind or seed are you growing ?

6/1/2010 2:54:16 PM

France

Plant was a 178,5 Mudd.

6/2/2010 7:25:29 AM

France

Here a photo of the dead melon.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=132733

Tks Kaa

6/3/2010 6:46:26 PM

formerly RGG

Something that hasn't been mentioned and likely isn't your problem but can be deadly if it is a problem is drainage. Watermelon roots have to breathe & if allowed to stand in water will certainly die. So does your ground have good drainage ?

6/3/2010 8:05:50 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Try not to water directly on the plant. Keep the stump, leaves & leaf stalks dry if possible. It sure looks like what we had the past 2 years. TD is right on with the drainage issues. It can cause all kinds of problems. Good luck.

Jane & Phil

6/4/2010 9:32:04 AM

France

Thank you so it can be phytophthora.

6/4/2010 5:43:13 PM