Gummy stem blight has been observed in Florida. This is the time to be on the lookout for both gummy stem blight and powdery mildew and to think about upcoming disease management strategies.
Powdery Mildew
Bio Fungicide Review on Winter Squash
The Smart Lab at Cornell University compared various organic controls for powdery mildew in winter squash including copper treatments.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | April 8, 2024
📢South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline📢
🍉 Increasing whitefly numbers, squash vein yellowing virus, cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, and papaya ringspot virus, Powdery mildew, Cucurbit downy mildew 🥒
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | March 2024
Anthracnose has been reported in watermelon plants submitted to Southwest Florida Research & Education Center.
Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew
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.
Hausbeck Lab Plant Disease Management Reports
In 2022 and 2023, the Hausbeck Plant Pathology Lab evaluated pickling cucumbers, acorn squash, and hard squash.
Fungicide resistance a concern for watermelon growers
Symptoms begin as circular yellow areas on the leaves. Growth of the fungus appears as the infection progresses and can be observed on the underside of the leaves. “White powder” can be viewed on both surfaces of the leaves and stems as the tissue decays.
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.
