Ozone Damage on Cucurbit Crops
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Ozone damage is common to cucurbits in many regions of Kentucky. Although mainly observed on watermelons, most cucurbits can be affected. Symptoms first appear as small yellow flecks on leaves, eventually turning into large brown and gray areas that die and slough off. Severe damage can result in almost complete defoliation of some plants. Ozone damage is often mistaken for disease or spray injury.
Early ozone injury to watermelon.
(Photo: Timothy Coolong, University of Kentucky)
Severe ozone injury to watermelon.
(Photo: Timothy Coolong, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Tolerance to ozone varies with crop and variety. Seeded (diploid) watermelons tend to be more sensitive to ozone than seedless (triploid) varieties.
