There are varieties with resistance to Fusarium, but there are lots of diseases of cantaloupes. Most of the resistant varieties will be hybrids. You may wish to try one to determine if Fusarium is the problem. Sarah's Choice, Athena, Goddess, Minerva have done well for me. If you are in the west, there are western types also with resistance to Fusarium but I am not as familiar with them.

I will definitely give those a try--thank you! I am in SE Mich.
Have you had any luck with row covers? They seemed to really weigh down my delicate little seedlings early in the season (using them for the Cuc Beetles.)

I'm in SE MI too, no problems with beetles. I would probably just use an insecticide since melons are easily washed. Many products are organic too. I would start with diatomaceous earth. I guess it could be a problem with bees, as it produces and still flowers.
Do the beetles eat the fruit or the foliage? I guess the foliage, if early in the season while still seedlings insecticide would be very useful. DE would work too.

Fusarium wilt stays in the soil, another location would be a good idea. Grow something else in the old spot.
My melons are starting to mature, I harvested the first one a few days ago. My only problems was with powdery mildew, easily knocked back with the proper fungicide.

Melons are not for beginners so much. Many diseases after that first "little trial"....make the first one more worthwhile! As stated above, fungal diseases live in the soil and long rotation is needed.

except for bacterial wilt, carried by the CBs. I'd really like to see melons resistant to that one.

The Raspa watermelons in the home garden are huge and nearly ready. The tendrils turned brown maybe nearly 3 weeks ago, but the other indications say wait....still growing!!!!, dullness, thump, bottom color. The bottom spot is more white than cream yet.

This post was edited by wayne_5 on Tue, Aug 12, 14 at 10:59