The most common question we face as a farming expert group is –why are my watermelon plants dying? It is a visible signal that something is off in your plants. It might be the fungal and pest attack or your ignorance in irrigation. By the time you ask for expert opinion, your plants die, and fruit growth is stunted.
Farmers complain that they suddenly notice vines drying up and turning brown, leaves becoming yellow. Is it the same with your melon plants? Oh no!
This can a huge economic loss for large-scale production. So, let’s get to know some common reasons behind your wilted watermelon plants.
Why Are My Watermelon Plants Dying?
Here we will introduce you to some common reasons for your dying watermelon plants and give probable solutions for them.
| Why are my melon plants dying? | Suggested solutions |
| Leaves wilting by Downy mildew of Cucurbits | Use Bordeaux mixture |
| Nitrogen deficiency | Use nitrogen-enriched fertilizer |
| Overwatering plants | Ensure the land is not waterlogged |
| Aphids pest attack | Use pesticides |
| Viral diseases | Apply diffused root extract treatment |
Problem-1: Downy Mildew of Cucurbits
Downy mildew is one kind of fungal disease caused by PseudoperonosporaCubensis. This disease mainly aims at the leaves of watermelons and is triggered in moist and wet weather.
Symptoms
Solution
Problem-2: Nitrogen Deficiency
Are you sure that you are feeding your plants well? Apart from getting nutrition from the soil, plants also need extra nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus for their optimum development.
For want of these macronutrients, leaves are shed before the season and the plant dies. Then how to save a dying watermelon plant?
Symptoms
Solution
Problem-3: Overwatering Watermelon Plants
Watermelon is rich in water. So most of the farmers assume that they require more water than other plants. Well, it is partially true. Moist soil is essential for the proper growth of the plant. But waterlogged land may rot the roots.
Symptoms
Solution
Problem-4: Aphids Pest Attack
Aphids pest attacks leaves and roots of watermelon plants for food. Farmers of the tropical region face such problems now and then. These pests are small in size and explore throughout the plants.
Symptoms
Solution
Problem-5: Viral Diseases
Whydomywatermelonplantskeepdying? The mosaic viral disease is the most common form of watermelon viral disease. It damages the leaves and spreads in the stem and roots of the plants.
Symptoms
Solution
A Helpful Tutorial You May Need!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you revive a dying watermelon plant?
To revive a dying watermelon plant it is essential to ensure suitable soil conditions. Apply sufficient mulch, manure, and insecticides to control pests, fungus.
Why does my watermelon plant keep dying?
Watermelon plants are very prone to fungal and viral diseases. Pest acts as the vector of these viruses and facilitates the drying of leaves. Moreover, weather and depleted soil nutrition levels contribute to the problem.
Can you overwater watermelon plants?
You definitely cannot overwater watermelon plants as they will rot the root and stunt the growth of the plants and fruit. But for optimum growth, it is essential to maintain moist soil conditions.
Final Verdict
Despite taking proper care of the watermelon plants, leaves are seen to dry up, stems become thin and fragile. So the question arises why are my watermelon plants dying? This is not your fault.
The weather significantly affects the development of the plant. Too much rain clogs water between soil particles and rots the root. Moreover, fungus grows well in such weather. But a little caution and some practical solution can save you from huge loss. If the condition worsens, you should consult a farming expert or seek help from a government organization as soon as possible.