Fruit and Vine Rot of Watermelon Caused by Phytophthora capsici

Phytophtora capsici에 의한 수박 역병

A disease causing fruit rot and leaf and vine blight on watermelon was found in Euseong in July, 1991 and in Bonghwa, Kyungpook province in August, 1993. Abundant zoosporangia characteristics of Phytophthora capsici were formed on the surface of the infected fruits. The zoosporangia were ovoid to ellipsoid, tapering to the base and with conspicuous papilla. The fungus isolated from the infected fruits was pathogenic on seedlings of watermelon, pumpkin, and pepper. The morphological characteristics and host range agreed with those of P. capsici. The watermelon disease caused by P. capsici was reported long time ago in Japan and America but rot yet in Korea. Thus, the disease on watermelon caused by P. capsici is reported as a new record in Korea.