Author Bio

Dr. Cesar Escalante is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Extension Vegetable Pathologist at Purdue University. He manages the Vegetable Pathology Lab at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Program in Vincennes, IN. Dr. Escalante is a plant pathologist with expertise in both classical and advanced techniques for studying plant pathogens and their effects on hosts. His research and extension responsibilities focused on plant disease management are aligned with the needs of vegetable growers in Indiana. Presentation: An update of cucurbit diseases: gummy stem blight, anthracnose, phytophthora, and cucurbit yellow vine disease: Multiple foliar pathogens (some of which are also major problems for fruits) appeared in watermelon, pumpkin, and cantaloupe fields during the 2025 season. Early disease detection is critical for initiating timely fungicide applications to prevent diseases such as gummy stem blight, anthracnose, and Phytophthora blight. In this presentation, I will share results from fungicide trials targeting these common diseases. Additionally, I will provide information on the emerging causal agent of cucurbit yellow vine disease, with an emphasis on accurate disease identification and the most effective management practices.