THE PROBLEM
Nematodes are a major concern for watermelon growers, particularly in key regions such as Georgia, Florida, California, Washington, and Oregon. The most common nematodes affecting watermelons include root-knot nematodes and lesion nematodes. These pests can cause extensive damage to watermelon roots, resulting in stunted growth, poor fruit development, and reduced yields.
Root-knot nematodes form galls on watermelon roots, disrupting nutrient and water uptake. This damage leads to weakened plants and lower-quality fruit. Lesion nematodes create lesions on the roots, further impairing the plant’s ability to absorb essential resources and making it more susceptible to other diseases.
Effective nematode management is crucial for achieving healthy, high-yielding watermelon crops, especially in regions where these pests are prevalent. In addition to nematodes, many watermelon growers face soil-borne diseases like fusarium wilt and pythium fungus, which both inhibit growth and are exacerbated by nematode damage.
COMMON PESTS
- Root-Knot Nematode(Meloidogyne spp.)
- Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus spp.)
- Ring Nematode (Criconemella spp.)
- Stubby Root Nematode (Trichodorus spp.)
In addition to nematodes, using TELONE™ in combination with chloropicrin helps manage several soil-borne diseases affecting melons, including:
- Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum)
- Pythium fungus
THE SOLUTION
TELONE™ combined with chloropicrin offers a comprehensive solution for controlling nematodes and soil-borne diseases in watermelon fields. TELONE™ effectively targets nematodes deep in the soil, while chloropicrin enhances the treatment by managing additional soilborne pathogens that may affect watermelons.
Applying TELONE™ + chloropicrin before planting creates a protective zone around the roots, reducing nematode populations and preventing root damage. This treatment leads to stronger, healthier watermelon plants and improved fruit development.
