Didymella is one of the most important pathogens on Cucurbitacea, affecting the leaves, stems and fruit. In favourable conditions, it can affect entire crops. The fungus can survive in the soil and on plant waste, and even up to two years without a susceptible plant in the vicinity. The spreads through wind and rain. Didymella can be seed-borne, in which case it can directly affect the seedlings. Seed treatment can prevent this early disease and enable the seedlings to grow unimpeded. 'In-field’ treatment should protect the crop from infection by spores in the environment.
