Downy Mildew damage on plant foliage. Image from AgNet Media.
Auburn University Extension cautions cucurbit producers to be wary of Cucurbit downy mildew. The build up of downy mildew in Florida is an indicator that the disease will show up in Alabama later in the season. Cucurbit crops are susceptible to the disease. It can destroy plant foliage and cause the leaves to curl and die. The pathogen thrives in wet, humid conditions and requires moisture on the plant surface for spore germination and future infection. It is important for growers to be proactive and not reactive when managing this disease. Growers can reference the Southeast Vegetable Crop Handbook for information on controlling downy mildew with fungicides.
