Pumpkin Fruit Rot Threatens 40% Yield: Farmers Urged to Act Now

• Fruit rot poses a significant threat to pumpkin crops, potentially causing 30-40% yield loss, raising farmer concerns.
• Caused by excessive moisture, waterlogging, fruits touching the ground, heavy soil, and diseases like downy mildew and Phytophthora.
• Symptoms include watery spots on the lower fruit, turning black/brown, foul odor, and small fruits turning yellow and falling off.
• Prevention involves cultivating on raised beds, ensuring proper drainage, spreading straw under vines, light irrigation, and balanced fertilizers.
• Control measures include fungicides (Mancozeb, Carbendazim, Metalaxyl) or organic options like Trichoderma; immediately remove affected fruits.