Bacterial Fruit Blotch

Although all cucurbits are susceptible, bacterial fruit blotch is only a problem on watermelon. Two- to three-week old fruit are most susceptible to infection. Fruit symptoms begin as small, water-soaked spots. These lesions expand rapidly and may cover the upper surface of the fruit. Later the lesions may turn red brown and develop cracks and a general fruit rot may follow. A white bacterial ooze may form in the lesion during wet weather.