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UC Pest Management Guidelines

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Cucurbits

Measles

(Reviewed 11/05, updated 11/05)

In this Guideline:

Symptoms
Comments on the disease
Management

SYMPTOMS

Small lesions (2 to 4 mm) occur on fruit, stems, and leaves. Initially the spots appear water soaked but soon the center dies and turns tan. Spots are superficial on fruit but may have a slight overgrowth causing bumpiness.

COMMENTS ON THE DISEASE

This is an abiotic disorder caused by guttation (i.e., water soaking injury). Measles occur more commonly on smooth-skinned cucurbits harvested in fall and on heavy soil types. Wet soils are necessary for measles to occur.

MANAGEMENT

Reducing irrigations in fall has been shown to virtually eliminate measles on honeydew fruit. Either switching to alternate row irrigation after fruit set or eliminating the final irrigation will prevent the problem.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Diseases
R. M. Davis, Plant Pathology, UC Davis
T. A. Turini, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
B. J. Aegerter, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
W. D. Gubler, Plant Pathology, UC Davis
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier

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