Dying Cantaloupe plants!!

[DrGreenThumb]

I have three cantaloupe plants that have gotten some type of powdery mildew in all its leaves. They also have fruit that are almost ripe. I want to take the plants out so to prevent others from getting mildew, should I cut off the cantaloupe now and let it ripen off the vine? Or should I let the fruit finish ripening on the plant, although it is sick?

Need advice! Thanks.

[Roger]

The melons will ripen a little bit once picked off the vine; if they are already pretty close to being ripe right now, I believe that they will be fine to pick so you can remove the vines, if that is what you are wanting to do. Usually I have a four or five day period after picking them where they ripen a little more. Any longer than that, though and they seem to go soft really quickly.I've noticed that if you pick melons a little early, often the flavor is alright, if perhaps a little less sweet that what is desired.