Influence of soil and cultural variables on Fusarium wilt of muskmelon

An investigation was carried out into the influence of certain agronomic practices (crop rotation, disinfestation of the soil and use of resistant rootstocks) and of the texture of the soil on populations of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis found in melon fields situated in the provinces of Cremona and Mantua. To show the associations between the variables taken into consideration, a multiple analysis of correspondences was undertaken. The study meant that it was possible to bring to light the role played by sandy soils and by crop rotations that allow for even only two consecutive years of melon cultivation in increasing the density of population of the pathogen, and by the practice of using resistant rootstocks in reducing this even in situations of monocultivation.