Yellows of Melons Caused by Molybdenum Deficiency in Acid Soil. W. D. Gubler, Postgraduate Research Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis 95616. R. G. Grogan, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis 95616, and P. P. Osterli, Farm Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension, Stanislaus 95352. Plant Dis. 66:449-451. Accepted for publication 28 July 1981. Copyright 1982 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-66-449.

Melons growing in acid soil in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys of California exhibited severe yellowing, stunting, and failure to fruit. Plant analysis and the prevention or rapid correction of this disorder by the application of dilute foliar sprays of sodium molybdate indicated that it was a molybdenum deficiency. Several melon cultivars, including Honeydew, Crenshaw, Juan Canari, Casaba, Santa Claus, and Persian, were susceptible.

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