Why does your Cucumis melo saccharinus have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe larvae of these flies live in the soil and feed on organic matter or fine root hairs, which can weaken the melon plant's stability. They are attracted to the consistently moist soil often required for Honeydew production.
While often associated with decaying fruit, these flies can be attracted to the melon vines if there is overripe or rotting fruit nearby. They lay eggs that can lead to secondary fungal infections in the melon flesh.
While thrips are tiny, they can appear as dark specks moving on leaves. They feed on the epidermal cells of the Honeydew leaves, causing silvery scarring and stunting growth.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: