By Inga Meadows
Downy mildew on cucumber leaf
Cucurbit downy mildew has been reported on pumpkin and cucumber in Ashe and Haywood Counties, respectively. Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis, infects leaves and can result in significant yield loss. It was reported through the CDM IPMPipe on pumpkin in Ashe County on August 10, 2016 and by an NCDA Agronomist in Haywood County on August 12, 2016.
Cucurbit downy mildew is a foliar disease that affects all commercial cucurbits (cucumber, cantaloupe, squash, watermelon, pumpkin, etc.), but is most severe on cucumbers. Growers are advised to actively scout for the disease and initiate preventative sprays in cucurbit crops immediately. The Cucurbit Downy Mildew factsheet, previous alerts, North Carolina fungicide efficacy trials, and The Southeastern US Vegetable Crop Handbook provide recommendations for chemical control options. Growers should use intensive spray programs (every 5-7 days) once disease if found in their fields, especially if weather conditions are conducive to disease (wet and cool weather). The downy mildew pathogen can become resistant to fungicides very quickly. It is critical that growers alternate products in their fungicide programs and tank-mix with a protectant with every application to protect the few chemistries we have that are still highly effective in controlling downy mildew.