Stem canker in melon

Stem canker is one of the main diseases in melon in Northern Santa Catarina State Plateau, region of
Canoinhas, SC, Brazil, Brasicausing damages up to 40%. The causal agent, Didymella bryoniae, sin. Mycosphaerella melonis, is a ascomicete that in the mitosporic phase (asexual) corresponds to the Ascochyta genus. The most characteristic symptom is the canker, with longitudinal cracker of the cortex, and exsudation of amber-colored gummy material. The characteristic signals are the pycnidia that appear in the surface of injuried tissues. To control
this disease cultural, mechanical and chemical management are recommended.