ABSTRACT
The occurrence of root diseases represent one of the major causes of yield loss in melon crop, especially considering pathogens that cause root and stem rot, such as the fungi Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani, observed in muskmelon either alone or in association. The use of plant materials and crop residues, besides improving the soil physical properties and favoring the microbial activity in this environment, negatively interferes in the population of pathogens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the effect of using jack beans [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC] in the management of root rot of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) caused by the pathogens F. solani, M. phaseolina and R. solani either alone or in association. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in randomized block design, with 8 x 4 factorial arrangement, 8 types of fungi/associations and 4 management systems, and 4 replicates. The evaluated characteristics were: incidence of root rot in melon plants at the end of the cycle, prevalence of pathogens and dry weight of muskmelon. Jack beans in coverage provides lower incidence of root rot in muskmelon when Fusarium solani is alone. Macrophomina phaseolina is the fungus that prevails in most associations in which it is present. Increased dry weight of muskmelon was observed when mulch (the black polyethylene film) was applied in the treatments with F. solani + R. solani association and in non-infested soil.
Keywords
Cucumis melo L.; soilborne pathogens; organic material
