Martyn, R.D. 2002. Monosporascus root rot and vine decline of melons. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2002-0612-01

DISEASE:  Monosporascus Root Rot and Vine Decline of Melons (MRR/VD). Also referred to as sudden wilt, sudden death, melon collapse, Monosporascus wilt, and black pepper root rot.

PATHOGEN:  Monosporascus cannonballus

HOSTS:  Melon (Cucumis melo) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) are the principal economic hosts. Most other cucurbits are susceptible to artificial inoculation but are rarely, if ever, observed infected under commercial field conditions. Other noncucurbit plants are reported to support pathogen growth under artificial inoculation conditions or in the field.

Author
Ray D. Martyn,
Purdue University

Late season collapse of melon plants due to infection by M. cannonballus. (Courtesy R. Martyn)