There is no control and sterilising the soil prior to sowing is a last option but is very expensive. Plants can suddenly wilt and die when infected with fusarium. Older plants show stunting with a progressive leaf yellowing from the base to the runners when infected and eventually they too will die. Infection can be recognised by inspecting the vein tissue for browning of the water-conducting tissues. Viruses can be a problem, and when plants are infected at an early stage they may become stunted.
Leaves have a yellow and green mottled appearance.
No control is possible and presently there are no resistant or tolerant cultivars. Keeping the crop free from insect pests that carry viruses is recommended but is not always entirely practical. Self-sown cucurbits should be eradicated and weeds destroyed as they too can be a source of virus infection. At planting time, there can be some considerable damage caused by cutworm. In either the late afternoon or early evening, insecticides can be applied as a spray or soil drench.