MELCAST Update

(www.melcast.info)

Editor: Cesar Escalante                                                                                                

Extension Plant Pathologist

escalac@purdue.edu

812-886-0198

July 09, 2026

For cantaloupe, all Indiana MELCAST stations are currently reporting recommended fungicide spray intervals of approximately 14 days, indicating that weather conditions have generally not been favorable for disease development during the past week. This represents a reduction in risk compared to recent updates, particularly in southern Indiana where shorter intervals had previously been recommended.

Many Indiana cantaloupe fields have begun harvest. When fungicide applications are considered during harvest, growers should carefully review product labels for both pre-harvest intervals (PHI) and re-entry intervals (REI), since these restrictions may affect harvest schedules and worker activities.

For watermelon, disease risk (based on MELCAST) remains somewhat higher than for cantaloupe, although conditions have improved across much of the state. Most southern Indiana locations are currently reporting recommended spray intervals of approximately 13 to 14 days, including Decker, Ft. Vallonia, Merom Station, Oaktown, Princeton, Purdue Ag Center, Starlight, Vincennes, and Washington. The shortest intervals are presently observed at Wanatah (10 days), Goshen (11 days), and LaGrange (12 days), indicating somewhat more favorable conditions for disease development in portions of northern Indiana. However, recent rainfall events across Indiana may rapidly alter risk levels, particularly where extended periods of leaf wetness occur.

Growers are encouraged to monitor MELCAST daily, as recommended spray intervals can change quickly in response to weather conditions.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out.

Sincerely,
Cesar Escalante
Extension Plant Pathologist