Gummy stem blight is a highly destructive, foliar fungal disease of watermelon that can cause yield losses of more than 50 percent. This disease is currently confirmed in multiple locations in northwest and northeast Florida.
Additional information on advanced stage symptoms of gummy stem blight and the biology of the causal organism of the disease can be found in the following publication: Management of Gummy Stem Blight (Black Rot) on Cucurbits in Florida.