This hole was most likely made by a melonworm that was inside the bloom feeding on the reproductive parts of the flower.
Justin Ballew, ©2023 Clemson Extension
This hole was most likely made by a melonworm. A hole this size is actually an exit hole chewed by the worm on its way out to pupate. Before that, the worm was inside the bloom feeding on the reproductive parts of the flower. The photo below shows another bloom from the same field with the worm still inside.
The photo shows another bloom from the same field with the worm still inside.
Justin Ballew, ©2023 Clemson Extension
Pickleworms also feed within flowers, so unless we catch them in the act, it can be difficult to determine which worm was the culprit. Even then, distinguishing them can be a challenge as pickleworms lose their spots as they near pupation. Luckily, management strategies for both species are similar. Refer back to SC Grower’s recent post for some of those strategies.
