CucCAP Plant pathologists discussed cucurbit diseases reported by growers in Growing Produce Magazines’ 2023 State of the Vegetable Industry Survey. CucCAP plant pathologists provided information about Cucurbit Downy mildew and Powdery mildew for this article.
Cucurbit Downy Mildew
2024 Southeast Michigan Vegetable Grower Winter Meeting
Tips to manage those pesky water mold pathogens: Phytophthora and downy mildew
Mary Hausbeck, Michigan State University
Anthracnose and Downy mildew disease symptoms in watermelons
Growers should consult Extension personnel when deducing what problem they might have. A wrong diagnosis could have financial repercussions.
Hausbeck Lab Plant Disease Management Reports
In 2022 and 2023, the Hausbeck Plant Pathology Lab evaluated pickling cucumbers, acorn squash, and hard squash.
Seed companies breeding Cucurbits for disease resistance
Viruses, Phytophthora, and downy mildew are diseases that cucurbit seed producers face challenges with.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | Dec. 3, 2023
Widespread Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), and cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) infestations have been reported on watermelon in multiple locations. Crumple virus and yellow stunt virus are now common in mature watermelon fields with low levels of vine decline.
Gummy stem blight is reaching moderate to high levels in watermelon fields.
Low levels of Anthracnose on watermelons.
Powdery mildew and Downy mildew was reported in cucumber and squash. Downy mildew is expected to increase in melons due to the recent rain.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | Oct. 18, 2023
In Central Florida, reports indicate incidence of Cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) is increasing and Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) incidence is very low.
In Southwest Florida, CuLCrV, Squash Vein Yellowing Virus and Cucurbit Yellow Stunting Disorder Virus were diagnosed. Gummy stem blight was reported on watermelons in older watermelon fields.
In Southwest Florida, Very low infestation levels of Cucurbit Downy Mildew were reported by field scouts.
CucCAP scientists evaluate disease forecasting models for downy mildew control in cucumber
Cucurbit downy mildew is a major threat for pickling cucumber production requiring frequent fungicide applications.
