"It must be at least 15 years since there has been such fierce attacks by Pseudoperonospora cubensis on melon and watermelon crops. We are keeping the situation under control, but fields have been destroyed in both Northern and Southern Italy," says Bruno Francescon, entrepreneur.

The major cause for the spreading of the fungi is unstable weather. "Humidity favours fungi, especially when it rains in the evening. It is a real paradox because these same alternating temperatures also improved the quality of the fruit."

According to the entrepreneur, it is still too early to make an assessment: "we will have to monitor the situation in the next few weeks. Of course, if it keeps on raining like this, it will be like adding fuel to the fire...a change in the weather is the only thing that can help, as there are no known treatments."

Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/