Insecticide rotation is key in long-term management of whiteflies. Whiteflies can transmit cucurbit leaf crumple virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus.
Author: cuccap
Florida cucurbit pest and disease reports
The January South Florida Pest and disease hotline reported that Whitefly pressure continues to range from low to moderate. Cucurbit downy mildew and powdery mildew are active in squash and cucumbers.
CucCAP researchers develop new methods for detection and analysis of downy mildew pathogen on cucumber
Researchers in Dr. Mary Hausbeck’s group at MSU have developed a highly sensitive DNA-based protocol to genetically distinguish between spores of cucumber downy mildew and hop downy mildew from spore trap samples. The enhanced sensitivity enables detection 5-10 days before symptoms appear in cucumber fields, providing a broader window for initiation of chemical control.
Cucurbit Downy Mildew reported in Florida
Downy mildew is a problem for Florida’s cucurbit farmers. The disease has been reported recently in cucumber, squash, and watermelon fields.
Anthracnose Awareness | VSCNews
Anthracnose is a disease noticed on cucurbits in warm and high moisture conditions. The symptoms are noticed on leaves as necrotic lesions with or without cracked centers.
Anthracnose: Cucurbit Disease a Major Issue for Growers | VSCNews
Anthracnose is rapidly becoming a major issue for growers, particularly in watermelon in the east coast.
Phytophthora capsici | Florida Disease Factsheet
CucCAP researchers compile analysis of genetic resources and vulnerabilities for cucurbit crops
Germplasm collections maintained by the US National Plant Germplasm System and those of other countries are critical sources of diversity utilized by breeders for crop improvement. This review summarizes status of collections and vulnerabilities for cucurbit crops.