Do not plant cucurbits near woods, brushy areas, or other areas that are weedy. Control all weeds, especially perennial weeds. Plant several rows of corn around the cucurbit patch, or at least plant corn on the windward side. The corn helps keep out aphids. After handling diseased plants, wash hands with detergent and water.
Detergent inactivates the virus and reduces the danger of transmitting the virus to other plants.
Alternaria Blight Blight, caused by the fungus Alternaria cucumerina , infects melon, squash, cucumber, pumpkin, and watermelon. Wet weather and temperatures of 60-90 F favor blight. Melon is quite susceptible and most commonly infected. Spots develop first on older leaves near the center of the hill. The spots are circular and appear somewhat water soaked.