By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory – July 11, 2025 – Andy Wyenandt In 2004, cucurbit downy mildew re-emerged in the US with a vengeance causing significant losses in cucurbit production. In most years prior to this, concern for CDM control was minimal, since the pathogen arrived late in the growing season (in more northern regions), or […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory – July 8, 2025 – Andy Wyenandt Cucurbit powdery mildew (CPM), caused by Podosphaera xanthii, is one the most important diseases ofcucurbit crops throughout the world. The pathogen is an obligate parasite, just like cucurbit downy mildew, meaning it needs a living host in order to survive. In northern regions that […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory – July 11, 2025 – Andy Wyenandt As the summer heats up in New Jersey, the control of Phytophthora blight in cucurbit plantings canbe extremely difficult (even with the use of fungicides) as hot, wet weather has set in these past fewweeks. Mitigating losses to Phytophthora blight in cucurbit crops begins […]
By Karleen Wilford •
Andy Wyenandt, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Plectosporium blight, also known as Microdochium blight or White speck, caused significant problemsin some pumpkin fi elds the last few summers in New Jersey. The soil-borne fungal pathogen, althoughsomewhat uncommon, can unexpectedly show up in some years and cause significant losses if leftuncontrolled. The fungus survives in the soil on […]
By Karleen Wilford •
Andy Wyenandt, Rutgers Cooperative Extension As the summer heats up in New Jersey, the control of Phytophthora blight in cucurbit plantings can beextremely difficult (even with the use of fungicides) as hot, wet weather finally sets in. Mitigating losses to Phytophthora blight in cucurbit crops begins with long crop rotations, where recommendations suggest crop rotations […]
By Karleen Wilford •
Andy Wyenandt, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Cucurbit powdery mildew (CPM), caused by Podosphaera xanthii, is one the most important diseasesof cucurbit crops throughout the world. The pathogen is an obligate parasite, just like cucurbit downymildew, meaning it needs a living host in order to survive. In northern regions that have a killing frost inthe fall the […]
By Karleen Wilford •
Andy Wyenandt, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Anthracnose and Alternaria leaf blight can become problematic in cucurbit crops during long periods ofwet, humid weather. Both can cause significant losses if not controlled properly. With the production season in full swing, now is a good time to review a few of these important diseases. Anthracnose, caused by Collectotrichum […]