Epidemic Updates for July 17 to August 1, 2024 were reported in PA, OH, & NY
Author: cuccap
CucCAP scientists examine embryo rescue as approach to increase diversity in cucurbit crops
Dr. Umesh Reddy and colleagues at West Virginia State University describe the principles, applications, and recent advancements in embryo rescue technology to promote crop improvement in cucurbit species.
Michigan Cucurbit crop report – July 31, 2024
All Cucurbit crops are being harvested, except pumpkins.
Stay vigilant against downy mildew and Phytophthora pathogens. Downy mildew on cucumber has been confirmed in 13 Michigan counties across the major production regions.
Phytophthora crown and fruit rot symptoms can include blighting of the plant’s petioles and crown that lead to wilting. Fruit should not be harvested from regions of the field that are showing Phytophthora symptoms.
South Carolina Grower Update | July 31, 2024
Collapsing Vines in Cucurbit Fields
Fusarium is common in cucurbit fields. Starting with clean seed and crop rotation are two important management principles.
Risk of CDM infection in Michigan cucumbers
Downy Mildew Detecting Spiderlike Robot
CucCAP plant pathologist, Lina Quesada-Ocampo and her research team are collaborating with the NC State engineers to create robotics to sample cucumber fields for cucurbit downy mildew.
Five Fusarium wilt management strategies
Management of Fusarium wilt of watermelon is one of the best examples of IPM.
Five practices can be used. Grafting is a stand-alone practice. It’s so effective that it’s not necessary to combine it with any other technique. The other four practices work best when combined. Cover cropping with vetch reduces the amount of Fusarium spores in soil. Delaying transplanting as long as possible. Soil temperatures above 78 to 81°F at 2- to 4-inch depths reduce the number of diseased plants. Choosing cultivars with resistance helps reduce the number of diseased plants in soils infested with Fusarium. The fifth technique is conventional fungicides.
