Cucurbit crops, excluding pumpkins, are being harvested, with vigilance against downy mildew and Phytophthora pathogens. Downy mildew has been confirmed in 13 Michigan counties, affecting cucumber and melon crops. Phytophthora symptoms are expected to increase following recent rains, impacting plant crowns and fruit.
Michigan Cucumbers
Risk of CDM infection in Michigan cucumbers
Michigan Cucurbit crop report – July 24, 2024
Downy mildew that affects melons and cucumbers has been confirmed in the main pickle production regions of Michigan. Keep up to date on the development of this destructive cucurbit disease at the Hausbeck Downy Mildew News website.
Phytophthora capsici causes significant losses in squash and cucumber following heavy rains. The most obvious symptoms are entire plant wilts, and regions of white spores on the surface of fruits that look similar to powdered sugar.
Downy Mildew detected in Michigan
Michigan Cucurbit update | June 12, 2024
Field-planted cucumbers and zucchini are close to the first harvest in southwest Michigan. Angular leaf spot has been found in at least one farm, which can look like downy mildew. The Hausbeck lab at Michigan State University has begun deploying its spore traps for monitoring downy mildew as it as it moves north.
Michigan cucurbit update | May 15, 2024
Michigan farmers are transplanting cucumbers and squash. Striped cucumber beetles are feeding. Seedless watermelons seedlings are germinating in Michigan greenhouses.
Michigan Cucurbit update | May 8, 2024
Squash and cucumbers have started going in on plastic mulch. Conventional growers typically use a seed treatment that is systemic for protection against striped cucumber beetles in the first few weeks when young plants are vulnerable.
