Why sunscald occurs in muskmelon?

This disorder occurs mainly when the fruit is at ripening or after maturity stage. when they are exposed to extreme sunshine. Sunscald appears as white patches on parts of the fruits exposed to sun. The tissues are so severely damaged that the patches shrink and the surface dries out. The affected portion becomes soft and pulpy. Later fungi causing decay may invade the patches. To avoid sunscald injury, the weeds should not be removed from the field as they will produce shade and keep the fruits covered.