Symptoms and Signs
Small lesions (2 to 4 mm) occur on fruit, stems, and leaves. Initially the spots appear water soaked but soon the center dies and turns tan. Spots are superficial on fruit but may have a slight overgrowth causing bumpiness.
Comments on the Disease
This is an abiotic disorder caused by guttation (i.e., water soaking injury). Measles occur more commonly on smooth-skinned cucurbits harvested in fall and on heavy soil types. Wet soils are necessary for measles to occur.
Management
Reducing irrigations in fall has been shown to virtually eliminate measles on honeydew fruit. Either switching to alternate row irrigation after fruit set or eliminating the final irrigation will prevent the problem.