Role ofMonosporascus cannonballusand Other Fungi in a Root Rot/Vine Decline Disease of Muskmelon

A serious disease of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) caused widespread losses in theLower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in 1986 and has persisted through the 1990 crop season. Primary symptoms on the roots include extensive browning and necrosis of the taproot and lateral roots, vascular discoloration, and discrete brown to red cortical lesions. Secondary vine decline symptoms are characterized by a dieback of older crown leaves, which advances distally to younger leaves as the plants approach maturity