Disease challenges Past and current concerns surrounding diseases In a recent survey, growers of vegetables and melons shared what diseases were on the list of troublesome challenges they faced in the past few years and what their top concerns are for the 2025 season. Disease challenges experienced in 2024 (Most troublesome) Rots Fire blight Downy mildew Powdery mildew Anthracnose Scab Blights Phytophthora Botrytis Bacterial spot Alternaria (black spot) 7% 7% 5% Bitter rot 4% Fusarium wilt 4% Brown rot 4% 13% 13% 11% 11% 20% 18% 16% 25% Top disease concerns for 2025 (Most concerned) Rots Fire blight Powdery mildew Scab Blights Downy Mildew Alternaria (black spot) Anthracnose Bitter rot Brown rot Fusarium wilt Phytophthora Botrytis Bacterial spot 7% 7% 7% 7% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% Note: The percentages listed in the results represent the distribution of diseases mentioned by the respondents. Each disease contributes equally to the total, regardless of whether it was mentioned once or multiple times in different responses. Data source: The Great American Media Services 2024 Pest Survey for Fruit Growers News, Vegetable Growers News. 26 | MARCH 2025 13% 12% 11% 11%