Cucurbit downy mildew infects cucumber, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, zucchini, gourd, summer and winter squash and pumpkin. Powdery mildew is best managed with an integrated program including both management tools (resistant varieties and fungicides) that is based on efficacy results from research.
MSU Extension
The Michigan State University Vegetable Pathology Lab reports cucurbit disease outbreaks and control measures for these pathogens. County Extension Agents from across the state of Michigan publish bi-weekly crop updates including disease incidents and control measures throughout the growing season.
Michigan vegetable crop report – September 2022
Fungicides listed in the Midwest Vegetable Guide can be used to slow down Plectosporium blight in pumpkins.
Michigan vegetable report | August 2022
Powdery mildew was reported on pumpkins and hard squash across the state. Downy mildew spores have been detected in all spore traps in the state’s network.
Michigan vegetable crop reports | July 2022
Harvest of cucumbers, pickles, and summer squash has started in Michigan. Major concerns for cucurbit growers include Cucumber beetles, Downy mildew, and Phytophthora fruit rot.
Cucurbit Disease Management Factsheets | MSU
These fact sheets are updated annually and posted on the Hausbeck lab website at Michigan State University.
Vegetable Crop management reports | June 2022
Michigan Vegetable specialists discuss the planting of squash, slicing cucumbers, watermelons, muskmelons, pumpkins, hard squash, and pickling cucumbers across the state.
Cucurbit Crop & Disease Management News | June 2022
Cucurbit Crop and Disease updates from plant pathologists and cooperative extension agents in the South and Midwest.
2022 Greenhouse Pest Management Recommendations
CucCAP Plant Pathologist, Mary Hausbeck, has released new Greenhouse Disease Management recommendations for 2022. The Hausbeck Lab collaborated with other MSU Extension specialists to develop a guide for disease management for vegetable and herb crops.
