Rains and cool weather across the northern part of Indiana have created very conducive conditions for foliar diseases on muskmelon. The MELCAST values for several locations across northern Indiana rose rapidly in the last 7 days. For example, the EFI values for Elkhart County and Wanatah rose 26 and 20 respectively. Many muskmelon growers across the state will be on a fungicide application schedule of every 7 days or more frequently. Most watermelon growers should be on about a 14-day schedule according to the tables below.
     Many muskmelon and watermelon growers will be close to their last harvest. The question may arise, when should one stop applying fungicides? For the most part, one can stop applying fungicides 2-3 weeks before the last harvest. It is unlikely that applications closer to harvest will be useful. In general, late season applications of fungicides are not as important as early season applications anyway.
     This will be the last MELCAST Update of the season. The MELCAST EFI values will no longer be available as of September 1. As always, call if you have questions.