Why does your Cucumis melo have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The larvae of fungus gnats live in the soil and feed on organic matter and root hairs, while adults are attracted to the moist growing medium of melon crops. In Cucumis melo, heavy infestations can lead to stunted growth due to root damage.
These flies are attracted to the fermenting sugars in overripe or decaying melon fruit. They can lay eggs in the flesh of the cantaloupe, leading to internal rot and secondary fungal infections.
While usually striped or spotted, certain small dark beetles can be mistaken for flies at a distance. They feed on the leaves and flowers of Cucumis melo, creating characteristic 'shothole' damage patterns.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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