Cucumber Diseases - A Practical Guide To Identification & Control

2014
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND

CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES
Authors
Ravi Shankar, Seema Harsha, Raj Bhandary
R & D department
TROPICA SEEDS PVT LTD | No 54,
South End Road, 1st Floor, Nama
Aurore Building, Basavangudi,
Bangalore 560004 INDIA
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES
Key aspects covered

Disease Diagnosis and
Identification
Cultural aspects of
disease control
Biological aspects of
disease control
Chemical aspects of
disease control
Tropica seeds pvt ltd
Page
Global Research Local Roots

PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
This guide outlines the key issues that should be considered in relation to the Diagnosis and Identification of cucumber diseases and also Integrated Disease
Management (IDM) for Cucumber crop. The guide addresses the key control methods and their rating in an IDM system for the major disease from Fungi,
Bacteria, virus, and nematode, and it also covers non infectious diseases.
The guide is useful for research scientists, field assistants, marketing personnel and farmers.
CONTACT US
Phone: +9180267660/79
Email: info@tropicaseeds.com
Web: www.tropicaseeds.com
Disclaimer
This publication may be of assistance to you, but Tropica seeds and its employees
do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate
for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
Consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
TROPICA SEEDS PVT LTD

No 54, South End Road, 1st Floor,
Nama Aurore Building,
Basavangudi, Bangalore 560004
INDIA
Page
II
Global Research Local Roots
Contents
Page no.
1-2
3
Verticillium wilt
Angular leaf spot

Bacterial wilt
Pseudomonas amygdali pv. lachrymans

Erwinia tracheiphila
4
5
Fungal diseases of cucumber

Alternaria leaf blight
Anthracnose (stem, leaf and fruit)
Belly rot
Blue mold rot
Cercospora leaf spot
Corynespora blight/target spot
Alternaria cucumerina
6
Colletotrichum orbiculare
7
Rhizoctonia solani
8
Penicillium spp.
9
Cercospora citrullina
10
Corynespora cassiicola
11
Fusarium spp.Phytophthora sp. Pythium spp. 12
Damping-off
Rhizoctonia solani
Downy mildew
Pseudoperonospora cubensis
13
Fusarium wilt
Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum
14
Gray mold
Botrytis cinerea
15
Gummy stem blight (vine decline) Didymella bryoniae
16
Phytophthora root rot
Phytophthora capsici
17
Sphaerotheca fuliginea
18
Powdery mildew
Erysiphe cichoracearum
Pythium fruit rot (cottony leak) Pythium spp.
19
Scab/gummosis
Cladosporium cucumerinum
20
Southern blight
Sclerotium rolfsii
21
Sudden wilt
Pythium aphanidermatum
22
Ulocladium leaf spot
Ulocladium consortiale
23
Verticillium albo-atrum
Verticillium dahliae
24
Nematode diseases of cucumber

Dagger nematode
Lesion
Root-knot
Xiphinema americanum
Pratylenchus spp.
Meloidogyne spp.
25
26
27
Cucumber mosaic virus(CMV)

Water melon mosaic Virus(WMV -1)
Zucchini yellow mosaic virus(ZYMV)
Tobacco ring spot virus(TRSV)
28
29
30
31
Viral Diseases of cucumber

Cucumber mosaic
Watermelon mosaic
Zucchini yellow mosaic
Tomato ring spot
Miscellaneous diseases and disorders of cucumber

Blossom end rot
Sunscald (fruit)
Physiological disorder, calcium deficiency,

moisture imbalance
Excessive or intense direct heat/ solar injury
Table 1: Relative Effectiveness of various chemicals for cucurbit diseases control

References
32
33
34
35
III
Bacterial diseases of cucumber
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Plant disease diagnosis

Plant disease management
Plant Disease Diagnosis
This article presents the various steps/activities which are associated with
accurate plant disease diagnosis. The process may vary with different diseases and
conditions but the overall process is relatively consistent. The steps all require
careful observations and questions. The steps include:
Know what Normal is
Proper plant identification. Identification of affected plants is one of the first
steps in diagnosing a plant disease. Both scientific and common names of the plant
should be noted.
Recognize healthy plant appearance. It is important to know the normal
appearance of the plant species you are investigating. Each plant species has
special growth habits, colours and growth rates. If you do not know what to expect
of the plant you cannot recognize when something is wrong.
Identify symptom variability. Variations in symptoms expressed by diseased

plants may lead to an improper diagnosis. These variations can result from a
couple of factors. It is possible that there is more than one problem present, and in
some cases there may be more than one pathogen infecting a plant. Symptoms
associated with these infected plants may be significantly different from the
symptoms expressed in response to each of the different pathogens acting
separately
Look for signs of biotic causal agents. Signs of plant disease agents are the
observable evidence of the actual disease-causing agent. Signs may include the
mycelia of a fungal agent, fungal spores, and spore-producing bodies. Indications of
insects causing problems may include the actual insect, insect frass, mite webbing,
and insect eggs. Signs are much more specific to disease-causing agents than are
symptoms and are extremely useful in the diagnosis of a disease and identification
of the agent causing the disease. The use of a hand lens and a knife can be valuable
for a diagnostician in the field.
Often, plant pathologists have to rely on symptoms for the identification of a

disease problem. Because similar symptoms can be produced in response to
different causal agents, the use of symptoms alone is often an inadequate method
for disease identification. The identification of the disease-causing agent may take
a week or more. One needs to ask many questions related, in order to eliminate or
identify possible causes of the problem. He also needs to consider various
environmental and cultural factors. As a result of his questions and observations he
may:
Be able to identify a disease and disease-causing agent,
Be able to narrow the problem down to several possibilities which will
require further study in the laboratory before he can make a final diagnosis,
or
Be completely baffled by the problem.
Check for Symptoms and Signs

Identify characteristic symptoms. Describing the characteristic symptoms
exhibited by a specimen can be very difficult to do accurately. Because of this, it is
often difficult, if not impossible, to determine what is wrong with a plant when a
person is describing symptoms over the phone.
Underdevelopment of tissues or organs. Examples include such
symptoms as stunting of plants, shortened internodes, and inadequate
development of roots, malformation of leaves, inadequate production of
chlorophyll and other pigments, and failure of fruits and flowers to develop.
Overdevelopment of tissues or organs. Examples include: galls on roots,
stems, or leaves, witches' brooms, and profuse flowering.
Necrosis or death of plant parts. These may be some of the most
noticeable symptoms, especially when they affect the entire plant, such as
wilts or diebacks. Other examples include shoot or leaf blights, leaf spots,
and fruit rots.
Alteration of normal appearance. Examples include mosaic patterns of
light and dark green on leaves, and altered coloration in leaves and flowers.
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The diagnostician must have very good observation skills, and he or she also
needs to be a good detective. It is important to keep an open mind until all of
the facts related to the problem can be collected. The possibility of multiple
causal factors must also be considered. Control measures depend on proper
identification of diseases and of the causal agents. Therefore, diagnosis is one
of the most important aspects of a plant pathologist's training. Without
proper identification of the disease and the disease-causing agent, disease
control measures can be a waste of time and money and can lead to further
plant losses. Proper disease diagnosis is therefore vital.
Check for host specificity. Is the problem occurring in only one plant species or
are different plant species affected? If different plant species are affected, this
suggests the possibility of a non-infectious problem which could be related to
cultural or environmental problems. However, Phytophthora and Pythium root
rots can cause problems on many different plant species; therefore, the fact that
more than one plant species is affected does not completely eliminate infectious
agents. If there is more than one species of plant involved, are these plants closely
related and can they be infected by a common pathogen?
Laboratory Tests
Sometimes neither symptoms nor signs provide enough specific or characteristic
information to decide the cause of an infectious plant disease. In such cases, it may
be necessary to bring a sample back to the laboratory for further tests to isolate
and identify the causal agent.
Incubation of plant material. One of the first steps when getting back to the
laboratory may be to place a sample of the diseased tissue under conditions that
will allow an infectious agent to grow and possibly induce sporulation. This can be
accomplished by placing a leaf in a moist chamber. A moist chamber can be a
Diagnostic tests for identification of biotic causal agents. A major problem in

identification of biotic causal agents is the inability of some infectious pathogens to
grow on artificial media. Viruses, as well as some fungi (e.g. powdery and downy
mildew causing agents) and some prokaryotes (e.g. phytoplasmas), require a living
host in order to grow. In cases where the plant pathogen is difficult or impossible
to grow on artificial media, other methods may be used for their detection, such as
the use of serological tests for viruses. Viral identification is often accomplished
utilizing ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) which is based on the
binding of an antibody produced to a specific virus with the virus in the infected
plant material1. More tests are currently being developed using the polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) for detection of specific organisms. These types of reactions
take specialized equipment and reagents, and the tests are not commonly done
outside diagnostic and research laboratories. Other techniques used for the
identification of viruses include negative staining and electron microscopy to view
the viral particles in plant tissue or suspensions.
Check distribution of symptoms. One of the first things that a diagnostician

should note is how the diseased plants are distributed over the affected area. Are
they distributed uniformly across an area or are they localized? Is there a definite
pattern to the distribution? For example, does it occur only along the edges of a
greenhouse near open windows, next to roadways or driveways, in low spots of a
field, along a planted row, or is it affecting plants at random in a field? This
distribution can be especially important in looking at the possibility of noninfectious problems, such as improper herbicide use or various soil factors. A
uniform pattern on an individual plant and uniform damage patterns over a large
area are generally not associated with biotic agents, but are usually due to abiotic
agents.
Isolation and identification of biotic plant disease causal agents. Isolation of

fungi usually requires that pieces of infected plant tissue be placed on various
nutrient media. The organism that grows out of this tissue is then isolated in pure
culture. Bacteria are often isolated by chopping up infected tissue in a small
amount of sterile water. This water: bacteria suspension is then streaked onto a
bacteriological medium such as nutrient agar. Several problems can occur when
trying to isolate the plant pathogenic agent. The infected plant tissue may contain
one or more saprophytes which have moved into the infected tissue. These
saprophytes may outgrow the plant pathogen on the nutrient medium, obstructing
accurate identification of the pathogen. In some cases where a specific plant
pathogen is suspected, a medium selective for the suspected pathogen may be
utilized. It is also beneficial to attempt to isolate the plant pathogen from the
margins of the diseased tissue where the pathogen is more numerous or more
active than saprophytes that quickly colonize the recently killed tissue.
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Identify Plant Part Affected - Are symptoms associated with specific plant
parts?
It is important to note if the symptoms observed are associated with specific plant
parts. For example, is a wilt observed correlated with a disruption of the vascular
system which may be indicated by browning of the vascular system or are the roots
of the plants abnormal including rots, decreased feeder roots, etc.; are necrotic
lesions observed strictly on younger leaves? The symptoms of some diseases are
most commonly seen on specific plant parts and this observation can be important
in diagnosis.
sterile petri dish containing a wet filter paper in the bottom of the dish and a
triangle of glass tubing on which the sample is placed so that the sample is not
directly on the wet filter paper but is exposed to humid conditions. This type of
moist chamber will work for small and relatively flat specimens such as leaves.
Plastic bags or boxes may be necessary for larger specimens. Saprophytes that are
present on the specimen can also be encouraged to grow in a moist chamber and a
brief surface swab with 70% isopropanol or 0.1-1% sodium hypochlorite may be
useful in reducing these saprophytes. Moist chambers are generally incubated at
room temperature.
EXCLUSION
This principle is defined as any measure that prevents the introduction of a
disease-causing agent (pathogen) into a region, farm, or planting. The basic
strategy assumes that most pathogens can travel only short distances without the
aid of some other agent such as humans or other vector, and that natural barriers
like oceans, deserts, and mountains create obstacles to their natural spread.
RESISTANCE
Use of disease-resistant plants is the ideal method to manage plant diseases, if
plants of satisfactory quality and adapted to the growing region with adequate
levels of durable resistance are available. The use of disease-resistant plants
eliminates the need for additional efforts to reduce disease losses unless other
diseases are additionally present.
ERADICATION
This principle aims at eliminating a pathogen after it is introduced into an area but
before it has become well established or widely spread. It can be applied to
individual plants, seed lots, fields or regions but generally is not effective over large
geographic areas.
INTEGRATED DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Integrated Disease Management (IDM) is a concept derived from the successful
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems developed by entomologists for insect
and mite control. In most cases IDM consists of scouting with timely application of
a combination of strategies and tactics. These may include site selection and
preparation, utilizing resistant cultivars, altering planting practices, modifying the
environment by drainage, irrigation, pruning, thinning, shading, etc., and applying
pesticides, if necessary. But in addition to these traditional measures, monitoring
environmental factors (temperature, moisture, soil pH, nutrients, etc.), disease
forecasting, and establishing economic thresholds are important to the
management scheme.
The goal of plant disease management is to reduce the economic and aesthetic
damage caused by plant diseases. Specific management programs for specific
diseases are not intended since these will often vary depending on circumstances
of the crop, its location, disease severity, regulations and other factors. Plant
disease management practices rely on anticipating occurrence of disease and
attacking vulnerable points in the disease cycle (i.e., weak links in the infection
chain). Therefore, correct diagnosis of a disease is necessary to identify the
pathogen, which is the real target of any disease management program.
PROTECTION
This principle depends on establishing a barrier between the pathogen and the
host plant or the susceptible part of the host plant. It is usually thought of as a
chemical barrier, e.g., a fungicide, bactericide or nematicide, but it can also be a
physical, spatial, or temporal barrier. The specific strategies employed assume that
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The many strategies, tactics and techniques used in disease management can be
grouped under one or more very broad principles of action. Included four general
disease control principles, exclusion,eradication, protection&Immunization(the
latter principle is more appropriately called resistance since plants do not have an
immune system)
pathogens are present and that infection will occur without the intervention of
protective measures.
Many cultural practices can be modified to manage the occurrence, intensity or
severity of plant diseases. These include selection of suitable growing sites for the
crop, adequate tillage to bury pathogen-infested plant residues, rotation to non
susceptible crops, selecting pathogen-free planting stocks, orientation of plantings
to improve exposure to sun and air currents, pruning and thinning to eliminate
sources of infection and improve aeration in and around susceptible plants, water
management on both plants and in soil, adequate nutrition, proper cultivation to
improve root growth and avoid plant injury, and sanitation procedures to eliminate
sources of inoculum.
Biological control involves the use of one living organism to control another, and
this management technology has received much attention in recent times. However,
the number of biological agents registered for use is relatively small, success has
been limited, and application has been largely restricted to intensively managed,
high value crops such as greenhouse plants.
Plant Disease Management
Angular leaf spot of cucumber

Causal agent:Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans
Cultural and Biological control

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
The bacterial pathogen is seed

borne beneath the seed coat. The
bacterium also survives in the
soil on plant debries for up to 2
years. Prolonged leaf wetness
favours infection. The bacterium
enters
the
leaf
through
respiration
pores
(stomata)
water
excreting
pores
(hydathodes)
or
wounds,
infections spread from leaf to leaf
by splashing rain, human activity
and cucumber beetles.
Temperatures of 75-82 degrees
Fahrenheit, high humidity, and
excessive nitrogen fertilization
favour Disease development.
Cucumbers should be grown from

clean seed in an area isolated from
other cucurbit fields and on land that
has been free of cucurbits for one or
two years. Clean seed is produced in
dry inland areas of California. Debris
from the crop should be destroyed to
decrease overwintering and spread of
the disease to other fields the next
year. Avoid excessive overhead
irrigation or excessive amounts of
nitrogen fertilizer. Do not work the
cucumber field when plants are wet
since water helps spread the disease.
Dosage( PHI
g or
ml/litre)
Remarks
Streptomycin sulphate+
tetracycline hydrochloride
(Agrimycin)
6g/10
litre
15
Copper oxychloride
(Blitox)
3g/litre
Should be used on
younger stage of the
crop growth, do not use
during fruiting stage
Used as soil drenching
at the root zone of the
plant
Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
7-10 day interval

application
Cuprous oxide
(Nordox)
2g/litre
7-10 day interval
Copper sulphate
(cuproxat)
2g/litre
5-10 day interval; a

tank mix with
mancozeb will give
added control
Note: Copper sprays should not be continued in dry weather,

especially hot, dry weather, because the sprays may cause plant injury.
Small angular water-soaked spots

may develop on the leaves. The
spots are confined by leaf veins and
appear tan on the upper surface and
gummy or shiny below. As the
lesions age, their colour changes
from gray to white, dead tissue falls
away,
leaving
small
angular
(square) holes in the leaf.
Infections on fruits are first small,
circular, water-soaked and soft but
older lesions are chalky and
cracked. Fruit spots usually occur
when fruits are about half grown.
Below the lesions, flesh may be
brown down to the seed layer. If
attacked when very young, the fruit
may fall off the plant. Lesions on
stems may be covered with
abundant bacterial slime
Conditions for disease

development
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Symptoms
Bacterial wilt of cucumber

Causal agent: Erwinia tracheiphila
Striped beetle
Spotted beetle
Symptoms
Conditions for disease development
Cultural and chemical control of cucumber beetles
Infected plants initially show wilting

and drying of individual leaves. As
the leaves wilt and shrivel, stems
may dry out suddenly. Later, wilting
spreads to entire branches and
vines. Wilting will occur during the
middle of the day during periods
with high water stress. The vine may
recover at night. Eventually,
however, the entire vine will wither,
collapse, and die. In partially
resistant plants, symptoms appear
as dwarfing, excessive blooms, and
branching. A good diagnostic test for
this wilt is to cut a wilted stem near
the base. Touch a knife blade to the
cut and draw away from the cut.
White to clear strings of the
bacterial ooze will be strung out
from the cut made on the infected
plant to the knife blade.
The bacteria overwinter in the

digestive system of the cucumber
beetle. In the spring, bacterial wilt is
spread from plant to plant through
both the striped and spotted cucumber
beetles that feed on cucumbers and
other relatives of this family. The
bacteria are released through the
insect excrement and move into host
plants through the stomates and
wounds, most likely the ones made
when the insects feed. Insects ingest
more bacteria as they feed on infected
plants, and the cycle is repeated.
Bacterial wilt develops when daily
temperatures average between 46 and
72 F (7 to 22 C) with an optimum of 52
to 60 F (11 to 15 C). The bacterium
grows best at temperatures of 77 to 86
F (25 to 30 C), and under conditions of
high relative humidity.
1. Protect plants with netting. Prevent cucumber beetles from feeding and infecting plants by
covering them with netting or porous fabric.
2. Remove and destroy plant material when symptoms of wilting are first noticed. There are no
cures for the disease. Beetles spread the bacterium from infected plants to healthy plants.
3. Grow susceptible crops on rotation every third year. Since beetles overwinter in the soil and
carry the bacterium, the cycle can be disrupted by only planting the host in an area every third
year.
4. Avoid planting cucurbits next to corn. Spotted cucumber larvae also feed on corn; avoiding
close plantings of these two crops may help control the beetles on cucurbits.
5. Grow varieties that tolerate bacterial wilt like butternut or acorn squash and Saladin
Page
Provide season-long control of spotted and striped cucumber beetles and other insects, such as
grasshoppers and squash bugs, with insecticides. Start applications as the plants start to crack the
soil, before the leaves appear, even if no beetles are evident. Frequent applications are necessary,
especially in the seedling stage, to keep the foliage free of beetle-feeding wounds. Applications
may be needed at 4 to 5 day intervals. Repeat after rains, especially if beetles are present. Earlyseason sprays or dusts are the most important step in controlling bacterial wilt. Make treatment in
late afternoon or evening to avoid damage to bees. The use of a systemic, soil-applied insecticide
will provide moderate control for 5 to 6 weeks.
A
l
t
e
r
n
a
r
i
a
Alternaria leaf blight of cucumber

Causal agent: Alternaria cucumerina
l
e
a
f
s
p
o
t
Infection by A. cucumerina is favoured by

periods of warm moist weather,
especially important are the periods of
leaf wetness which allow spores time to
time germinate and penetrate the leaf
cuticle. Temperatures of 70-90 F are
optimal along with 18 hrs. of high relative
humidity. Young plant and old plants are
more susceptible than are mid-season
plants. Plants which have been weakened
by poor nutrition adverse growing
conditions, other diseases or heavy fruit
set are also more susceptible. The fungus
survives the winter in infected crop
debries as mycelium and may also
survive on seed. The overwintering
fungus serves as the source of primary
infection and spores from these infection
cycle the disease through the growing
season
Cultural and Biological

control measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Remove crop refuse at the end

of the season.
Fall plowing will bury the
remaining debris and promote
its breakdown.
Rotation
which
exclude
cucurbits for 1-2 years may be
beneficial.
Provide adequate nutrition
and appropriate growing
conditions to reduce crop
stress.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre) (days)
Remarks
Mancozeb
(Dithane M-45)
2g/litre
Chlorothalonil (kavach)
2g/litre
Used as a protective
application; 5-7 days
interval
Can be used as a
protective application;
5-7 days interval
Pyraclostrobin (cabrio)
1g/litre
Azoxystrobin (amistar)
0.5ml/litre
Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
7-10 day interval

application
Difenoconazole
(Score)
0.5ml/litre
14
2-3 application per

season
7-14 day interval; no

more than two
sequential application;
No more than two
application per season,
can be tank mixed
with protectant
fungicide
Note:
For mixing chemical always see the label of the product.
Another name for this disease is

target leaf spot which refers to
the appearance of the lesions on
the upper surface of the leaves.
Lesions tend to appear first on
the older leaves as small circular
sports. The spots are brown with
alight
center
and
form
concentric dark rings as they
enlarge, thus the name target
spot. Lesions which form on the
lower leaf surface tend to be
more diffuse. Fruit infection
begin as sunken brown spots
and may later develop dark
powdery appearance as the
fungus sporulates. The infection
may also begin at the blossom
end with the entire fruit
eventually turning brown and
shriveling.
Page
Symptoms
Anthracnose of cucumber
Causal agent: Colletotrichum orbiculare
The fungus survives between seasons on

seed volunteer cucurbits, and plant
debries, which serve as the primary
inoculum when the pathogen is seed
borne, seedlings can be infected and
cause disease epidemics in seed beds.
Temperatures of 72-80F (22-27C) and
a relative humidity of 100% are the
optimal conditions for infection to occur.
Plant disease symptoms appear about 4
days after infection.
Epidemics of anthracnose can reduce
yield when they are severe and occur
early in the season. Temperatures less
than 90F (32C) and rain will favour
disease
epidemics. Environmental
conditions have a significant influence on
the disease progression of anthracnose on
cucumber. Anthracnose is less likely to
infect cucumber when temperatures get
above 86F (30C), even if rainfall occurs.

Chemical control
Chemical name
Start with healthy seed or

seedlings by purchasing them
from reputable sources. Scout
cucumber
plants
for
anthracnose
and
remove
diseased materials from the
lower part of the plants to
reduce fungal inoculum and
improve air circulation. When
possible, avoid overhead or
sprinkler irrigation and do not
water plants on cloudy days.
Water early in the day to ensure
plants dry out before sunset. At
the end of the season, remove
plant residues from fields. If
possible practice a three year
rotation with non-cucurbit
crops.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
Mancozeb
(Dithane M-45)
2g/litre
interval
2g/litre
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
Pyraclostrobin
(cabrio)
1g/litre
Azoxystrobin
(amistar)
0.5ml/litre

more than two
No more than two
can be tank mixed with
protectant fungicide
Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
7-10 day interval

application
Note:
Leaf spot are the most common

symptoms observed in fields,
they begin as water soaked
areas and then become small,
yellowish,
circular
spots.
Lesions can expand turn brown
and become greater than a half
inch in diameter on leaves.
When stems and petioles are
infected, symptoms start as
elongated, oval to diamond
shaped light brown cankers that
may be covered by pink colored
spores in high relative humidity
conditions. Cankers can girdle
the stems and cause wilting of
the upper parts of the affected
stems. Fruit also can be infected
as they mature. Symptoms on
fruit start as circular, water
soaked spots and become
brown sunken lesions.
Page
Symptoms
Belly rot of cucumber

Causal agent: Rhizoctonia solani
Symptoms
Cultural and Biological control measures if any
Very small cucumbers show yellowishbrown superficial discoloration. Large

fruit have dark brown water-soaked
decay most often on the side of the fruit
in contact with the soil. If the lesion is
allowed to dry (just a few hours) the
water soaked areas turn scabby and
cracked
Belly rot is caused by the common soil-borne fungus,

Rhizoctonia solani. This fungus survives in soil and
infested crop debris as mycelia and sclerotia. Warm
temperatures, high humidity, and excessive moisture
favor infection and disease development Fruit
becomes infected where they contact the soil in the
field. Fruit that are apparently healthy, but have
already been infected, can develop severe
symptoms within 24 hours. The fruit can develop
symptoms 24 hours after coming in contact with the
fungus and the entire fruit can rot in 72 hours.
Temperatures below 50 degrees F retard disease
development during transit and storage.
Practice a three-year or longer crop rotation between cucurbit crops. The belly rot
pathogen can attack many weeds; thorough weed control is essential for crop rotation
to be most effective. Crop debris should be promptly and thoroughly incorporated after
harvest to hasten the breakdown of the pathogens dormant resting structures. Belly rot
can be controlled effectively by not letting fruit touch the soil. Plastic mulches are often
effective in preventing belly rot in semi-arid and arid production regions.
Manage irrigation practices to avoid excessively wet soils.
Application of Trichoderma viridae or Trichoderma harzianum at the rate of 1kg per
acre before planting helps in reducing the spread of the pathogen.
Chemical control
Chemical name
Dosage(g
PHI
Remarks
or ml/litre)
1
Flusilazole(Nustar)
2ml/10litre
14
Make two applications, the first at the 1

to 3 leaf stage and the second just prior
to vine tip over or 10-14 days after the
first, whichever comes first.
Apply at early stages of crop growth,
not more than 2 applications per
season.
0.5ml/litre+
2g/litre
Page
Azoxystrobin+
Chlorothalonil
Blue mold rot of cucumber

Causal agent: Penicillium oxalicum

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
The fungus produces abundant

blue-grey to blue-green spores
on the surface of cankers and in
the stem underneath. Spores are
spread mostly in air, but can
also be spread on pruning tools
and hands.
The spores infect pruning cuts
and wounds on fruit, especially
under conditions of high
humidity, when sap exudes
from the cuts. In Ontario, the
disease is more prevalent on
outside rows. It is associated
with
excessive
nitrogen
fertilizer, which produces a
"soft" crop, and the stress of too
many stem fruits. It is more
severe on crops grown in
rockwool than in soil. No
differences in susceptibility
between cultivars have been
reported.
Greenhouse temperatures should

reach the daytime temperature at
least one hour before sunrise to
minimize dew formation on the
plants.
Avoid
using
high
nitrogen
fertilizers such as urea or
ammonium nitrate.
If the disease has been found in the
greenhouse, cut all infected plants
below the cankers and carefully bag
and remove them from the house to
prevent spread of the spores. Bury
or burn infected plants. Do not
leave them on nearby cull piles.
Remove all stem fruits to height of
about 1 metre. Cut side shoots with
a sharp knife that is disinfected at
intervals during pruning. Use a 5%
solution of 12% strength bleach for
a pruning dip.
Dosage(g
or ml/litre)
PHI
Remarks
Iprodione+
carbendazim(Quintal)
1g/litre
2g/litre
Can be used as a
protective and curative
application , 5-7 days
interval
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
7-10 day interval

application
Difenoconazole
(Score)
0.5ml/litre
14
2-3 application per

season
Mancozeb
(Dithane M-45)
2g/litre
interval
Note:
Initially as water-soaked, translucent

areas at the nodes, especially nodes
that have been pruned. (Do not confuse
this with sunscald). Within a day or so,
this becomes a pale-brown canker with
a blue-gray to blue-green fungal
growth on the surface giving off a cloud
of spores. The stem splits open easily
and masses of fungal growth and
spores can be found inside. The
cankers expand to a few centimetres
above and below the node. They have
dry, pale-brown edges. When not
producing spores, they look similar to
Botrytis and Gummy Stem Blight
cankers.
Stems
infected
with Penicillium collapse faster than
stems infected with these other
diseases. Girdling at the infected node
may occur within 4 to 5 days from
infection, and the top of the plant wilts
and dies.

development
Page
Symptoms
Cercospora leaf spot of cucumber

Causal agent: Cercospora citrullina
The spores are airborne and may be

carried great distances on moist winds.
Infection requires free water and is
favoured by 26-32C (80-90F)
temperatures. The disease develops
quickly at these temperatures.
The disease cycle begins when spores
(conidia) are deposited onto leaves
and petioles by wind or splashing
water.
Conidia germinate during moderate to
warm (78 to 90F) temperatures in the
presence of free moisture. New cycles
of infection and sporulation occur
every seven to 10 days during warm,
wet weather. The pathogen is readily
disseminated within and among fields
by wind and splashing rain and
irrigation water, and survives between
cucurbit crops as a pathogen on weeds
and in infested crop debris.

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
2g/litre
2g/litre
interval
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
1g/litre
Azoxystrobin
(amistar)
0.5ml/litre
Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
7-10 day interval

application
Difenoconazole
(Score)
0.5ml/litre
14
2-3 application per

season
Good sanitation practices, such as Mancozeb

destroying diseased vines, a two to (Dithane M-45)
three year crop rotation.
No biological control practices have Chlorothalonil (kavach)
been developed for Cercospora leaf
spot.
Pyraclostrobin
(cabrio)

more than two
No more than two
Note:
10
This disease is usually found

only on the foliage, but if the
environmental conditions are
suitable symptoms may also
occur on petioles and stems.
The fungus is not known to
infect fruit. The organism
causes spots that are circular
to irregularly circular The
centres may be white, tan or
light brown. Spot margins
appear dark purple or black.
Chlorosis may surround the
lesions,
coalesce
and
eventually turn the leaf yellow.
Symptoms usually appear first
on the older foliage. Although
defoliation from the disease
may reduce fruit size and
quality, serious economic
losses are rare.
Page
Symptoms
Corynespora leaf spot of cucumber

Causal agent: Corynespora cassiicola
Chemical control
Chemical name
High temperatures (26-32 C)

and high relative humidity
(>70%)
favour
disease
development. Spores from
nearby crops or plant debris
are spread by air currents and
water splashing from rain or
overhead irrigation.
Avoid overhead irrigation

and provide space between
rows to increase ventilation.
Remove plant debris from
the field and destroy by
burning as the fungus can
survive in affected plants for
at least two years. Use
resistant cultivars where
available.
Dosage(g
or
ml/litre)
PHI
(days)
Remarks
Mancozeb
(Dithane M-45)
2g/litre
interval
2g/litre
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
Pyraclostrobin
(cabrio)
1g/litre
Azoxystrobin
(amistar)
0.5ml/litre 1

more than two
No more than two
Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
Difenoconazole
(Score)
0.5ml/litre 14
7-10 day interval

application
2-3 application per

season
Note:
11
All above ground parts of the plant can be

affected. Target spot begins on leaves as
yellow leaf flecks, which later become angular
with a definite outline. The spots become
circular with light brown centers surrounded
by dark brown margins. Lesions coalesce to
produce large dead areas with dead and
shedding leaves. The most damaging aspect of
scab is on the fruit. Small, sunken spots (3-4
mm) are the initial fruit symptoms. The spots
can be mistaken for insect damage or
anthracnose.
An
additional
problem
secondary bacteria that come in after scab has
started, causing a soft-rot.A severe leaf spot
most common on cucumbers. Small yellow
spots on leaf lamina develop into necrotic
areas that eventually fall out leaving the leaf
with a shot-hole appearance. Severe cases
result in defoliation. Infected fruit are
darkened and shrivelled.

development
Page
Symptoms
Damping of cucumber seedlings

Causal agents: Fusarium spp. Phytophthora sp.
Pythium spp. Rhizoctonia solani

Chemical control
Chemical name
Many
pathogens
can
cause
damping-off and seedling blight of
cucurbits in the High Plains region,
primarily
Pythium
spp.
and
Phytophthora spp., and perhaps
others such as Fusarium solani.
Damping-off is associated with cool
soil temperatures, excess soil
moisture, and delayed seedling
emergence. Pathogens associated
with damping-off are common soil
inhabitants and can survive in soil
as
dormant
oospores
and
pathogenically on alternate hosts
and weeds. Damping-off pathogens
are easily disseminated in irrigation
water, contaminated soil on
equipment, and movement of
infected plant materials.
Plant high quality seed in warm,

well-prepared seedbeds under
conditions favourable to rapid
seedling emergence; shallow
planting can encourage rapid
emergence.
Avoid
excess
irrigation and poor drainage.
Planting into raised beds can
help avoid water logging and
promote
more
rapid
germination. Crop rotation with
non-hosts (i.e., small grains)
may provide some reduction in
damping-off pathogens, but
damping-off
and
seedling
blights pathogens have very
broad host ranges and can
attack most plants.
Ridomil MZ gold+
Bavistin
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
2+1 g/litre
Chemicals mixed and

applied in drenching
Note:
12
Damping-off can occur before or after

crop emergence. Pre-emergence
damping-off results in a brown,
gelatinous rotting within the seed
coat. Radicles and cotyledons may
become brown and soft after
germination, but fail to emerge.
Water-soaked, greasy lesions may
also form on hypocotyls and roots
after emergence when infected with
Pythium spp., causing plants to
collapse and wither. Plants can also
wilt suddenly; and healthy-appearing
plants can suddenly collapse during
the heat of the day. After several days
plants permanently wilt. Seedlings
can be killed, but may survive and
recover as plants develop.

development
Page
Symptoms
Downy mildew of cucumber

Causal agent: Pseudoperonospora cubensis
Symptoms on cucumber and squash are

angular lesions that are limited by the
leaf veins. During periods of leaf
wetness from dew, irrigation or rainfall,
incipient
lesions
can
become
conspicuously water-soaked. This is the
earliest symptom produced by the
disease, but will disappear as moisture
dissipates. Early lesions are light green
in appearance and become chlorotic and
finally necrotic as host plant cells die.
Severe infection results in leaves that
are completely dead and curled up. This
symptom has been described as
wildfire as the leaves appear to be
burned. Upon inspection, the underside
of an infected leaf reveals downy, fuzzy
growth, arising within the leaf veins.
The hue of the sporulation ranges from
colorless to gray-brown to deep purple.
The color depends on density and age of
the sporangia that darken with age. In
the very early stages of disease,
sporulation is not apparent to the naked
eye,

Pseudoperonospora cubensis causes a
polycyclic disease. Sporangia are the
source of primary inoculum. Sporangia
are transported from infected plants
via wind currents and travel to local or
distant places. Optimal temperature for
sporulation is 15C with 6 to 12 hours
of available moisture. Symptomatic
plants with yellow lesions have the
greatest Sporulating capacity. Once
sporangia land on a susceptible host,
free moisture is required for each
sporangium to release 5-15 zoospores.
Free moisture is also important for
zoospore movement, germ tube
development and penetration of host
tissue by the germ tube. However,
excess moisture may reduce the
duration of sporangia viability.
Zoospores can be released between
temperatures of 5 and 28C. The
temperature optimum for zoospore
release depends on the duration of the
leaf wetness period.
fungal spores

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Downy mildew severity can be

decreased by taking actions that
encourage airflow and reduce
leaf wetness. However, such
actions are often insufficient
during prolonged, favorable
environmental conditions and in
the presence of high inoculum
levels. Growing cucurbits in
environments where humidity
levels can be manipulated can
help to manage downy mildew.
For example, trellising cucurbits,
increasing plant or row spacing
or growing in passive or
traditional greenhouses can help
reduce relative humidity and leaf
wetness.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
Mancozeb
(Dithane M-45)
2g/litre
Chlorothalonil
(kavach)
2g/litre
interval
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
Fosetylaluminium
(Aliette)
3g/litre
14
Azoxystrobin
(amistar)
0.5ml/litre
Dimethomorph
(Acrobat)
1g/litre
5-10 days interval, not

more than five
application per season
Cymoxanil+mancozeb 2g/litre
(Curzate)
5-7 day interval: no

more than four
application
Preventive treatment
prior to disease onset
foliar application
No more than two
application per
season, can be tank
mixed with
Note:
13
Symptoms
Lower side of
cucumber leaf
Page
Upper side of
cucumber leaf
Fusarium wilt of cucumber

Causal agent: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cucumerinum

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Since the pathogen is soil borne,

symptomatic plants often occur
in clusters corresponding to the
distribution of high inoculum
densities in the soil. Fusarium
wilts are generally most severe in
light, sandy, slightly acidic soils
when temperatures are between
25
and
27
C.
Higher
temperatures appear to impede
infection often resulting in plants
that are yellowed and stunted but
not wilted. However, plants
infected earlier in the season may
display more severe symptoms
later in the season, as the
temperature increases, and there
is more transpiration demand on
the plant.
Plant
clean,
quality
seed
of resistant cultivars. Because there
are races of wilt forms, it is
necessary to know, which races are
present before choosing a resistance
variety.
Plant
on land not
previously
cropped with the cucurbit species.
Liming applications to bring the soil
pH to 6.5 to 7.0 can reduce disease.
Do not move soil from infested
fields.
Not replanting to the same cucurbit
species for 5 to 7 years can help
manage watermelon wilt but is
consider ineffective for melon and
cucumber wilt.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
Copper oxycloride
(Blitox)
3g/litre
Carbendazim
(Bavistin)
1g/litre
Used as drenching in the

soil; for large scale
application drenching is
not feasible.
Used as drenching in the
soil: for large scale
application drenching is
not feasible
Note
1) For tank mixing of different chemicals see the label
2) Soil fumigation with effective materials is the only chemical control
available for reducing soil borne populations of the pathogen.
3) Various chemical (e.g. chloropicrin, dazomet, formaldehyde, metam
sodium) or non-chemical (e.g. steaming, solarization, bio fumigation)
methods can be used on infested soil. None are 100% effective and
they will only penetrate to a limited depth. Plants can still become
infected if the wilt pathogen is re-introduced into the treated area by
drainage / run-off water or capillary action, or by the roots growing
down beyond the treated soil.
4) Fungicide treatment against wilt diseases gives variable and often
poor results. For this reason there are few specific recommendations
14
The fungus can attack a susceptible

plant at any stage of growth.
Infection of the hypocotyl of young
plants can result in pre- or postemergence damping-off. Infection of
older plants can cause yellowing
(starting in the older leaves),
stunting, or wilting, and once wilting
occurs, death may result in 3 to 5
days. Affected melon plants may
develop a lesion on the lower stem.
The fungus affects the vascular
system and infected plants may not
show noticeable symptoms until
they begin bearing fruit. Browning
of the vascular system is usually
evident in the lower stem, crown,
or tap root. After the plant dies, a
white mycelium mat may form on
external plant surfaces. Root rot is
not observed.

development
Page
Symptoms
Gray mold of cucumber

Causal agent: Botrytis cinerea
Botrytis overwinters in the soil as

mycelium on plant debris, and as black,
hard, flat or irregular sclerotia in the soil
and plant debris, or mixed with seed.
The fungus is spread by anything that
moves soil or plant debris, or transports
sclerotia. The fungus requires free
moisture for germination, and cool15 0 to
25 0 C. damp weather with little wind for
optimal infection, growth, sporulation,
and spore release. Botrytis is also active
at low temperatures, and can cause
problems on vegetables stored for weeks
or months at temperatures ranging from
0 0 to 10 0C. Infection rarely occurs at
temperatures above 25 0C. Once
infection occurs, the fungus grows over a
range of 00 to 35 0 C.

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Plant in light, well drained, well

prepared fertile seed bed at the time
recommended for your area. If feasible
sterilize the seed bed soil before
planting preferably with heat. Steam all
soil used for plant beds at 81 C for 30
min.
Avoid heavy soils, heavy seeding, and
overcrowding, poor air circulation,
planting too deep, over fertilization and
wet mulches.
Strive for steady vigorous plant growth,
not a soft luxuriant growth.
Allow plants to get plenty of light.
In greenhouses and seed beds for
maximum air circulation, avoid
excessive humidity and do not allow
water to form on foliage. At night
maintain the greenhouse temperature
higher than out doors to prevent
condensation of water on leaves.
Iprodione+
carbendazim
(Quintal)
1g/litre
Chlorothalonil
(kavach)
2g/litre
Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
Difenoconazole
(Score)
0.5ml/litre
14
2-3 application per

season
Mancozeb
(Dithane M-45)
2g/litre
interval
Dosage(g
PHI
Remarks
or ml/litre) (days)
Can be used as a
protective and
curative application ,
5-7 days interval
Can be used as a
protective
application;
5-7 days interval
7-10 day interval
application
Note:
15
The
typical
symptom
of Botrytis infection of cucumber
fruits in a greenhouse appears as
an invasive gray rot of the fruit.
In the spring, the fungus
germinates from small, darkcolored, hard over-seasoning
structures known as sclerotia.
The fungus then produces
asexual spores (conidia) that
spread the disease. These spores
are produced throughout the
growing
season.
Symptoms
develop readily under warm
about 18-25C, and prevailing
moist
conditions. Botrytis
cinerea has
a
worldwide
distribution and is ubiquitous in
greenhouses. It is one of the
most common diseases of
greenhouse crops.
Page
Symptoms
Gummy stem blight of cucumber

Causal agent: Didymella bryoniae
Symptoms on stems consist of

blackened lesions that may crack
and produce a gummy, ambercoloured
sap.
Leaf
symptoms include browning of leaf
margins, and some of the affected
margins can have V-shaped
lesions, often with a yellow halo.
Fruit symptoms are often not
obvious externally, and usually
consist of a tapering of the
blossom end, which, when cut, is
discoloured internally.
Typically, symptoms of GSB begin
to appear towards the latter part
of the crop cycle due to cropping
stress. For a crop planted in
December/January, symptoms can
occur in April/May and for a crop
planting in June/July, symptoms
can occur in September/October.
Pycnidia of Didymella bryoniae

development

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Gummy stem blight develops

in humid conditions and in
free moisture on leaf surfaces.
The
most
significant
contributor to establishing the
infection is how long plant
surfaces remain wet. One hour
of free water on leaves is
sufficient for initial infection;
however,
continuous
leaf
wetness is required for
subsequent
expansion
of
lesions. Germination and spore
production, development of
symptoms on stems, and
infection of cucumber leaves,
petioles and flowers can occur
over a wide range of
temperatures (5C to 35oC),
but optimum temperatures are
24C to 25C.
Implement good sanitation measures to

reduce sources of the fungus.
During and after crop production, remove
all plant debris from the greenhouse area,
and bury or compost it. Didymella
bryoniae persists longer in debris left on
the soil surface compared to those that
are buried. This pathogen can survive for
at least 10 months in cucumber stems
buried in dry, non-sterile soil in a
greenhouse, and for 18 months in dried,
infected cucumber stems left on the soil
surface. Such undecomposed crop residue
becomes a source of airborne spores
when it is wetted. Ascospores can be
released 3 hours after wetting of infected
plant material.
In between crops, remove all plant debris,
including plant tendrils on the wire, prior
to washing and disinfecting the
greenhouse interior and superstructures.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre) (days)
Remarks
Azoxystrobin+
Chlorothalonil
0.5ml/litre+
2g/litre
Chlorothalonil
(kavach)
2g/litre
Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
Make two applications,

the first at the 1 to 3 leaf
stage and the second just
prior to vine tip over or
10-14 days after the first,
whichever comes first.
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
7-10 day interval
application
Pyraclostrobin
(cabrio)
1g/litre

more than two
Tebuconozole
(Folicur)
1ml/litre
For suppression only;

10-14 day interval
Note:
16
Symptoms
Early infection on the cucumer leaf with typical V shape

nectrotic area
Page
Gummy droplet on the stem and black spore producing

bodies
Phytophthora root rot of cucumber

Causal agent: Phytophthora capsici

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Phytophthora
parasitica and P.
capsici occur in most soils.
Infection of plants occurs at any
stage of growth when there is free
water in the soil. Damage is
greatest in poorly drained,
compacted, or over irrigated soils.
Provide good drainage and prevent

flooding. Avoid wide fluctuations
in soil moisture, which predisposes
plants to infection. Keep tops of bed
dry to avoid buckeye rot of the fruit.
Planting cereals as a rotation crop
may reduce the level of infestation in
the soil. Resistant varieties are not
yet commercially available.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
Mancozeb
(Dithane M-45)
2g/litre
interval
Fosetylaluminium
(Aliette)
3g/litre
14
Preventive treatment
prior to disease onset
foliar application
Azoxystrobin
(amistar)
0.5ml/litre
No more than two

Dimethomorph
(Acrobat)
1g/litre
5-10 days interval, not

more than five
application per season
Note:
17
The most distinctive symptoms of

Phytophthora root rot are the
brown lesions on roots of all
sizes. The xylem of the roots
above the lesions often turns
yellowish or brown in colour. In
severe cases, nearly all roots may
be girdled or rotted off.
Aboveground, infected plants are
slow growing and may wilt or die
in hot weather. When fruit in
contact with the ground are
infected, the disease is called
buckeye rot. Symptoms include
tan
or brown
spots with
concentric
rings. Phytophthora
capsici also
causes
greasy,
purple-brown stem lesions.

development
Page
Symptoms
Powdery mildew of cucumber

Causal agent: Sphaerotheca fuliginea, Erysiphe cichoracearum
Erysiphe cichoracearum
measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Fungi readily produce conidia,

which can be dispersed from
infected plants in greenhouses
or in the field. Conidia can be
moved by wind across long
distances. Warm temperatures
and dew formation in summer
favour disease development;
high relative humidity favours
infection
while
drier
conditions promote colony
growth
as
well
as production and dispersal of
conidia. In 3 to 7 days after
infection, colonies are visible.
Dense
plantings
and low
light conditions
promote
disease.
A 2-year rotation out of cucurbits is

helpful.
The cultivars 'Dasher II', 'Turbo',
'Calypso', 'Cross Country', 'Flurry', 'Royal',
'Regal', 'Quest', 'Cherokee', 'Marketmore',
and 'Pioneer' are resistant to powdery
mildew.
Avoid establishment of plants where
shaded by tall plants or structures.
Avoid planting too dense of stands.
Azoxystrobin
(amistar)
Serenade Max at 1 to 3 lb/A on 7-day

intervals. Can rotate with other
fungicides. 4-hr re-entry.
Sonata at 2 to 4 quarts/A on 7- to 14-day
intervals. Can be applied up to and on the
day of harvest. 4-hr re-entry. O
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
0.5ml/litre 1
Remarks
2g/litre
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
Myclobutanil
(Systhane)
1g/litre
7-10 day interval;30 day

plant back restriction
Pyraclostrobin
(cabrio)
1g/litre

more than two
Tebuconozole
(Folicur)
1ml/litre

10-14 day interval
No more than two

Note:
18
First, tiny white superficial spots

appear on leaves and stem. Spots
become powdery white and
expand to cover all portions of
the
plant.
Sometimes
the
mycelium becomes covered with
small
black
structures
(chasmothecia) about the size of
a pinhead but these chasmothecia
are rarely present. Usually the
disease is in scattered spots in
the field but can sometimes be
widespread. Severely infected
leaves may turn brown, exposing
the fruit to sunscald.

development
Page
Symptoms
Sphaerotheca fuliginea
Pythium fruit rot of cucumber

Causal agent: Pythium spp
Cultural and Biological control measures

if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Several species of Pythium, a

fungus-like organism, have been
implicated in this disease. These
soil-borne
pathogens
can
overwinter as dormant spore
structures in the residue of
many different crops and
weeds.
Infection
occurs
through
wounds or where the fruit
touches the wet ground.
Pythiumspp.
is
easily
disseminated via water and soil
particles.
Wet
conditions
promote infection and decay.
Manage excess soil moisture by Providing Metalaxyl(Ridomil MZ

good drainage and monitoring irrigation gold)
practices. Use plastic mulch.
Fungicides may provide some disease
Suppression.
Propomocarb
(Previcure)
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
2g/litre
21
days
use preventatively; one

application per crop
cycle; apply as drench
immediately after
transplanting
1g/litre
use preventatively;
maximum 2 applications
per crop cycle after
transplanting, thereafter 710 days interval
Rotate registered fungicides with different chemical groups and strictly follow
label directions to avoid resistance development in Pythium.
19
This
disease
generally
appears first on portions of
fruit in contact with soil.
Small, water-soaked spots
expand rapidly until large
portions of the fruit are
necrotic and soft.
Profuse, white fungal growth
resembling tufts of cotton
can be found on rotted areas
when the humidity is high.

development
Page
Symptoms
Scab/ Gummosis of cucumber

Causal agent: Cladosporium cucumerinum

Chemical control
Chemical name
The pathogen, Cladosporium

cucumerinum, overwinters in
cucurbit vines left in the field or
garden, and in seeds. Spores
produced by the fungus are
easily spread via air currents to
susceptible
tissues.
Wet
conditions, including fogs and
dews, along with moderate to
cool temperatures, favourthis
disease.
Use a 2- to 3-year rotation with

non-cucurbit crops.
Plow under plant debris after
harvest.
Use resistant cultivars
whenever
available.
Scabresistant
cultivars
include
'Dasher II', 'Raider', 'Encore',
'Sprint', 'Poinsett 76', 'Turbo',
'Regal',
'Flurry',
'Calypso',
'Quest', 'Gemini', 'Marketmore',
'Pioneer', 'SMR-58', and 'SMR18'. Commercial growers should
consult processors for the
resistant cultivars to grow.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
Mancozeb
(Dithane M-45)
2g/litre
interval
2g/litre
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
Note:
20
At first, a sticky substance is exuded in

drops as if the trouble were the result of
an insect puncture. Spots then gradually
turn gray, become slightly sunken, and
enlarge to about 0.375 inch in diameter.
The canker gradually grows darker, and
the tissue collapses farther into the
cucumber until a pronounced cavity
forms, lined with a dark green, velvety
layer of fruiting fungus.
The first symptom on foliage is the
appearance of a slightly water-soaked,
paler green area. Spots usually are
numerous. Gradually they turn gray to
white and become angular, often with
yellow margins. The fine vein in the spots
may remain brown or tan and are distinct
against the white background. The dead
tissue cracks, breaking away until the
whole leaf has a ragged appearance.

development
Page
Symptoms
Southern blight of cucumber

Causal agent: Sclerotium rolfsii
Thick growth of mycelial

mat around the stem

Chemical control
Chemical name
Southern blight is caused by the soilborne fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. This

fungus survives as mycelium and
sclerotia in the soil and in
decomposing plant residue. The
fungus is moved by running water, on
infested soil particles clinging to
cultivating tools, on infected plant
material, and as sclerotia mixed with
seeds. Disease development is
enhanced by high temperatures and
humidity.
Southern blight is also more severe
where undecomposed organic matter
is left on and in the soil. Sclerotia
enable the fungus to survive adverse
conditions and can persist in the
upper layers of soil for many years.
Remove infected plants and

fruit
Whenever practical.
Deep plow plantings early to
bury sclerotia and to allow for
the complete decomposition of
plant residues.
Practice crop rotation using less
susceptible plants such as corn,
sorghum, small grains, and
grasses.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
Carbendazim
( Bavistin)
1g/litre
Soil drenching after

planting at the root zone
to avoid the infection of
the Sclerotium once
Pyraclostrobin
(cabrio)
1g/litre

more than two
Tebuconozole
(Folicur)
1ml/litre

10-14 day interval
Note:
21
Symptoms begin where the fruit

comes in contact with the soil
surface. Affected areas are soft and
water-soaked,
later
becoming
covered with a dense mat of white,
fan-like fungal growth. As the
disease progresses, numerous small,
round fungal survival structures
(sclerotia) develop in the fungal
mat. Initially the sclerotia are white;
later becoming light brown, reddish
brown, or golden brown in colour.
Each Sclerotium is roughly the size
of a mustard seed. The pathogen
also attacks stems and crowns,
resulting in sudden wilting of the
foliage.

development
Page
Symptoms
Sudden wilt of cucumber

Causal agent: Pythium aphanidermatum
Cultural and Biological control measures

if any
Follow a strict greenhouse sanitation
program throughout the year anda
thorough year-end clean up. Clean and
disinfest all interior greenhouse surfaces
and equipment including tools, hoses,
walkways, carts, totes, troughs, tanks and
water supply lines. Use sterile propagating
media. Remove dying plants by placing
them directly into plastic bags for disposal
away from the greenhouse.
Avoid low light levels, low pH, high salts and
warm growing conditions (above 28C)
which favour Pythium. In greenhouse
cucumbers, the nutrient solution should be
delivered at pH 5.0 for approximately 5
weeks followed by adjusting the pH to a 5.86.2 regime for one week.
Target rockwool block wetness at 70-75%
between watering.
Use T.harzianum preventatively; apply to
growing medium soon after transplanting,
repeat thereafter once in 20 days
Chemical control
Chemical name
Dosage
PHI
Remarks
Metalaxyl(Ridomil
MZ gold)
2g/litre
21
days
use preventatively;
one application per
crop cycle; apply as
drench immediately
after transplanting
Propomocarb
(Previcure)
1g/litre
use preventatively;
maximum 2
applications per crop
cycle after
transplanting,
thereafter 7-10 days
interval
Rotate registered fungicides with different chemical groups and

strictly follow label directions to avoid resistance development
in Pythium.
22
In mature plants, Pythium causes crown

and root rot, where plants suddenly wilt
when weather turns warm and sunny
and when plants have their first heavy
fruit load. Often, upper leaves of infected
plants wilt in the day and recover
overnight but plants eventually die. In
the root system, initial symptoms
appear as brown to dark-brown lesions
on root tips and feeder roots and, as the
disease progresses, symptoms of soft,
brown stubby roots, lacking feeder
roots, become visible. In larger roots, the
outer root tissue or cortex peels away
leaving the string-like vascular bundles
underneath. Pythium rot also occurs in
the crown tissue at the stem base. In
cucumber, diseased crown turns orangebrown in colour, often with a soft rot at
the base; brownish lesions extending 10
cm up the stem base may be seen.

development
Pythium can be introduced into a
greenhouse in plug transplants,
soil, growing media, and plant
refuse and irrigation water.
Greenhouse insects such as
fungus gnats and shore flies can
also
carry Pythium. Pythium spreads
by forming sporangia, sack-like
structures,
each
releasing
hundreds of swimming zoospores
Wet areas in the greenhouse
where Pythium is more likely to
be present.
Low light levels, low pH, high salts
and warm growing conditions
above28C which favour Pythium.
Page
Symptoms
Ulocladium leaf spot of cucumber

Causal agent: Ulocladium consortiale
Chemical control
Chemical name
Temperatures of 70-90 F are

optimal along with 18 hrs. of high
relative humidity. Young plant
and old plants are more
susceptible than are mid-season
plants. Plants which have been
weakened by poor nutrition
adverse growing conditions,
other diseases or heavy fruit set
are also more susceptible. The
fungus survives the winter in
infected
crop
debries
as
mycelium and may also survive
on seed. The overwintering
fungus serves as the source of
primary infection and spores
from these infection cycle the
disease through the growing
season
Remove crop refuse at the end

of the season.
Fall plowing will bury the
remaining debris and promote
its breakdown.
Rotation
which
exclude
cucurbits for 1-2 years may be
beneficial.
Provide adequate nutrition and
appropriate growing conditions
to reduce crop stress.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
2g/litre
Can be used as a
5-7 days interval
Pyraclostrobin
(cabrio)
1g/litre

more than two
Azoxystrobin
(amistar)
0.5ml/litre
No more than two

Copper hydroxide
(kocide)
2g/litre
7-10 day interval

application
Difenoconazole
(Score)
0.5ml/litre
14
2-3 application per

season
Note:
23
The appearance of symptoms and

environmental conditions required for
disease development differ greatly from
angular leaf spot. Ulocladium leaf spot
lesions appear as reddish brown spots 1
to 2 mm in diameter on lower leaves
near the crown with adequate moisture
and moderate summer temperatures,
lesions enlarge. Lesions are mostly
circular to irregular in shape, measuring
6 to 7 mm in diameter but occasionally
are larger. The centers are beige to
brown
but
occasionally
white
surrounded by a dark brown ring and a
brown halo. Lesions may tear as the
leaves mature. Conidia morphology is
temperature dependent, appearing
alternarioid at 460F intermediate at
700F and Ulocladioid at 810F.

development
Page
Symptoms
Verticillium wilt of cucumber

Causal agent: Verticillium albo-atrum,
Verticillium dahliae

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Verticillium dahliae survives for

years in soil as tiny, dormant
sclerotia. The pathogen has a wide
host
range
including
many
vegetable crops, weeds, and trees.
When roots of susceptible crops
grow in close proximity, sclerotia
germinate and infect the roots.
Verticillium wilt is most severe
during relatively cool periods and
subsides during the hottest part of
the summer, but wilting is usually
seen during warm dry periods when
the plant is under stress, such as
after fruit set. The pathogen grows
in the water-conducting tissue
(xylem), causing plugging and
interference with water transport.
Because of the longevity of

microsclerotia and the broad host
range of V. dahliae, crop rotation is
usually not a feasible option for
control of Verticillium wilt in many
crops. However, rotations with
broccoli,
corn,
wheat,
barley,
sorghum or safflower for a period of
at least 2 years (the longer the
rotation, the better) can reduce
inoculum and subsequent plant
infection. These crops are not hosts
for the Verticillium pathogen, and
populations of the pathogen will
decline in fields where host plants are
not present. In severe cases, do not
replant peppers in the field for a
minimum of 3 years.
Dosage(g
PHI
or ml/litre)
Remarks
Carbendazim(bavistin)
2g/litre
Used as drenching
Copper
hydroxide(kocide)
2g/litre
Used as drenching
Note
1) For tank mixing of different chemicals see the label
2) Soil fumigation with effective materials is the only chemical control
available for reducing soilborne populations of the pathogen.
3) Various chemical (e.g. chloropicrin,dazomet, formaldehyde,

metamsodium)or
non-chemical
(e.g.steaming,
solarization,
biofumigation)methods can be used on infested soil.None are 100%
effective and theywill only penetrate to a limited depth.Plants can still
become infected if thewilt pathogen is re-introduced into the treated
area by drainage / run-offwater or capillary action, or by theroots
growing down beyond thetreated soil.
4) Fungicide treatment against wiltdiseases gives variable and often
poorresults. For this reason there are fewspecific recommendations
24
Verticillium wilt can affect all

cucurbits. The first symptoms
are wilting and yellowing of
crown leaves, which eventually
dry up. Wilting gradually
progresses out toward the
runner tips; in severe cases, the
plant dies. Death may take
weeks. A light brown vascular
discoloration in roots is
sometimes seen in cross section.
Aboveground vascular tissue is
also discoloured and can be
seen by cutting through a node
near the base of the plant.
Tolerant or resistant varieties
may show symptoms but
seldom die.

development
Page
Symptoms
Dagger nematode of cucumber

Causal agent: Xiphinema americanum

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Dosage(g
or
ml/litre)
Nematode damage is often

related to the growing condition
of the plant. A plant stressed by
poor fertility or lack of moisture
cannot withstand an additional
stress of nematode feeding.
Plants growing with adequate
moisture and fertilizer are more
likely
to
compensate
for
nematode feeding by producing
new roots.
Although damage can occur in
any soil type, plants growing in
well drained soils is most
susceptible to damage. These
areas include most sandy soils
and well drained soils. In poorly
drained
soils
nematode
population
usually
increase
slowly or even may decline,
especially during wet years.
In fields infested with dagger

nematodes, crop rotation may not be
feasible because of their extensive host
range; care is needed in the selection of
rotation crops because some may be
good alternate hosts. New resistant
varieties of peppers may prove useful.
Soil solarization may help to lower the
nematodes in the top layers of the soil
and avoid an early infestation of the
plants. Roots are likely to become
infested as the season progresses by
nematodes that survived in the deeper
soil layers.
Application of 2 kg of MULTIPLEX
Niyantran (Poaecilomyces) in 100 kg
FYM and broadcast to 1 acre uniformly.
Application of 250-400 kg of neem
cake/hac
Methyl bromide
PHI
Remarks
As a
fumigant
15
Oxamyl
(vydate)
2ml/litre
14
Carbofuron
(Furadan)
4kg/hac
30
Preplant, tarped, or
mulched for 24-48
hours. Application 10=14
days before planting.
Foliar applications are not
effective for moderate and
high populations of
nematodes.
Soil application,
application into soil
before planting.
Fenamiphos
(nemacure)
30L/hac or
1L/100
litre of
water
7 days
Soil application Apply
prior to anytime from 7 days
planting before up to the time of
planting.
Note
For tank mixing of different chemicals see the label
25
Plants whose roots are being attacked

by X. americanum, in the absence of
virus, generally show no clear
characteristic symptoms in the aerial
parts. With high populations, a general
reduction in vigour is observed and
this appears in characteristic patches
in the crop corresponding to the
highest concentration of nematodes.
Under heavy attack, the roots show
swellings close to the root tips. When
nematode feeding results in virus
transmission,
the
characteristic
symptoms of the particular virus in the
crop concerned develop. These usually
first appear in the aerial parts of the
plant in the growing season after
transmission to the roots has occurred.

development
Page
Symptoms
Root lesion of cucumber

Causal agent: Pratylenchus spp
Lesion nematodes overwinter as eggs,

larvae, or adults in host roots or soil.
The length of the life cycle depends on
the species and the soil temperature.
For
example,
the
optimum
temperature
for
population
development on soybeans for P. alleni,
P. neglectus, and P. scribneri is 86F
(30C) while that for P. penetrans is
77F (25C). The optimum for P.
hexincisus on corn is 86F (30 C).
Lesion nematodes remain inactive
when soil temperatures are below
59F (15C); except for P. penetrans,
there
is
little
activity
until
temperatures rise above 68F (20C).
P. penetrans completes its life cycle in
30 days at 86F (30C), 35 days at
76F(24C) and 86 days at 59F (15C).
Although the other species have not
been thoroughly studied, their
developmental biology is probably
similar to that of P. penetrans

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Dosage(g
or
ml/litre)
In fields infested with root knot

feasible because of their extensive
host range; care is needed in the
selection of rotation crops because
some may be good alternate hosts.
New resistant varieties of peppers
may prove useful. Soil solarization
may help to lower the nematodes in
the top layers of the soil and avoid an
early infestation of the plants. Roots
are likely to become infested as the
season progresses by nematodes
that survived in the deeper soil
layers.
Niyantran (Poaecilomyces) in 100 kg
FYM and broadcast to 1 acre
uniformly.
cake/hac
Methyl bromide
PHI
Remarks
As a
fumigant
15
Oxamyl
(vydate)
2ml/litre
14
Carbofuron
(Furadan)
4kg/hac
30
mulched for 24-48
high populations of
nematodes.
Soil application,
application into soil
before planting.
Fenamiphos
(nemacure)
30L/hac or
1L/100
litre of
water
7 days
planting.
Note
26
The
common
above
ground
symptoms of damage induced by P.
brachyurus are very similar to those
caused by other root parasitic
nematodes, such as stunted growth,
reduced plant vigour, leaves
exhibiting chlorotic symptoms,
defoliation and gradual decline in
yield. The type, colour and size of
the lesions vary according to the
level of infestation, age of the lesion
and the host species. Lesions are
formed during feeding. Initially they
are small but as the nematodes feed,
the lesions enlarge, often girdling
and later severing the root. Feeder
roots thus get destroyed and the
entire root system is reduced. When
the lesion breaks open, the cortex
sloughs off like a sleeve, leaving only
the vascular cylinder. Secondary
pathogens often enter these lesions
causing rot.
Page
Symptoms
Root knot of cucumber

Causal agent: Meloidogyne spp

measures if any
Chemical control
Chemical name
Dosage(g
or
ml/litre)
The host range of these

three nematode species is
very wide and includes
many agricultural crops
and weeds.
Disease is most severe in
warm areas with long
growing
seasons.
In
general, lighter, sandy
soils favour nematode
infection and result in
more severe damage to
roots.
In fields infested with root knot

feasible because of their extensive host
range; care is needed in the selection of
rotation crops because some may be
good alternate hosts. New resistant
varieties of peppers may prove useful.
Soil solarization may help to lower the
nematodes in the top layers of the soil
and avoid an early infestation of the
plants. Roots are likely to become
infested as the season progresses by
nematodes that survived in the deeper
soil layers.
Niyantran (Paecilomyces) in 100 kg
FYM and broadcast to 1 acre uniformly.
cake/hac
Methyl bromide
PHI
Remarks
As a
fumigant
15
Oxamyl
(vydate)
2ml/litre
14
Carbofuron
(Furadan)
4kg/hac
30
mulched for 24-48
high populations of
nematodes.
Soil application,
application into soil before
planting.
Fenamiphos
(nemacure)
30L/hac or
1L/100
litre of
water
7 days
planting.
Note
27
Nematode infestations damage the plant roots,

and therefore symptoms reflect poorly
functioning root systems. Aboveground
symptoms of severe root knot and stubby root
nematode infestations include patches of
chlorotic, stunted, necrotic, or wilted plants.
Nematode-infested plants are more susceptible
to moisture or temperature stress and exhibit
stress symptoms earlier than other plants.
Furthermore, root systems that have been
damaged by nematodes are often more
susceptible to infection by soil-inhabiting fungi
such as Fusarium and Verticillium species.
Feeding by root knot nematodes results in
characteristic galls on roots. Severely galled
roots may appear malformed and the root
system shortened and thickened. Roots of
plants infested with stubby root nematode are
likely to have numerous, short and stubby
lateral roots.

development
Page
Symptoms
Cucumber mosaic on cucumber

Causal agent: Cucumber mosaic virus
Transmission: Aphids
Control measures
When vigorous vine crops become infected in

the 6- to 8-leaf stage, the symptoms first
appear on the youngest, still expanding leaves
which develop a greenish yellow to dark
green mottling of the leaves. In mild form, a
leaf may have to be held to the light to see the
mosaic or mottling. Leaves are often stunted,
distorted, crinkled, and curled downward.
Vines are sometimes dwarfed and may be
yellowish near the centre of the hill and
"bunchy" because of shortening of the stem
between the leaves. In severe cases all except
the youngest leaves at the runner tips
(rosettes) may rapidly turn brown and die.
Cucumber fruit may show yellow and green
mottling or have dark green "warts" on pale
green fruit. Cucumber fruit produced in the
later stages of the disease is sometimes
smooth and pale whitish green (called "white
pickle") and more blunted at the ends than
fruit produced on healthy vines.
Mosaic virus overwinters on a variety of plants Cultural

including debris from cucurbits family plants
1. Growing of nursery under Nylon net cover (50 mesh).
which was not cleared from the garden, as well
2. Eradication of early infected plants and weed hosts from the field.
as catnip, pokeweed, motherwort, milkweed
3. Two rows of border cropping with Maize, Jowar, or Bajra give a reduction in the
and wild cucumber plants. Aphids and
disease spread.
cucumber beetles spread the disease as they
4. Remove weeds that serve as alternate hosts
feed going from infected plant to healthy plant.
5. Control/minimize aphid population by using plastic mulch, yellow sticky traps.
External symptoms may develop within four or Chemical control
five days after young plants become infected,
1. Spray seedlings with Acephate (0.15%) or Monocrotophos (0.1%) prior to
but may take up to 14 days to develop when
transplanting.
the foliage is older and more mature.
2. Spray insecticides like Monocrotophos (0.15%), Acephate (0.15%), at fortnightly
Symptoms develop more rapidly at 79 to 89F
intervals after transplanting till flowering stage.
(26 to 32C) than at 61 to 75F (16 to 24C).
3. Chemical spray followed by neem seed kernel extract (2%) is also effective in
The severity of symptoms is at least partially
rotation with insecticides.
related to the virus concentration. CMV
4. Spraying imidacloprid(confidor) at the rate of 1ml/litre of water to control of
symptoms in cucumber are more severe on
sucking insects
plants exposed to short days or reduced light
than on plants exposed to long days and bright
light.
28
Page
Symptoms
Watermelon mosaic on cucumber

Causal agent: Papaya ring spot virus (WMV-1)
control measures
Leaves of affected plants show mosaic blisters and

distinct vein banding(lighter colour between veins
with tissue adjacent to veins remaining green or
vice versa)
In severe cases, leaf narrowing and distortion may
be observed.
The virus is efficiently spread in non-persistent Cultural

manner by more than 20 aphid species including
Myzus persicae.
2. Eradication of early infected plants and weed hosts from the
The virus is also easily transmitted mechanically
field.
through contaminated tools.
3. Two rows of border cropping with Maize, Jowar, or Bajra give
There is no evidence of seed transmission
a reduction in the disease spread.
The virus easily survives in wild cucurbits and in
cultivated cucurbits crops grown year round.
5. Control/minimize aphid population by using plastic mulch,
yellow sticky traps.
Chemical control
1. Spray seedlings
with
Acephate
(0.15%)
or Monocrotophos (0.1%) prior to transplanting.
2. Spray insecticides like Monocrotophos (0.15%), Acephate
(0.15%), at fortnightly intervals after transplanting till
flowering stage.
3. Chemical spray followed by neem seed kernel extract (2%) is
also effective in rotation with insecticides.
4. Spraying imidacloprid(confidor) at the rate of 1ml/litre of
water to control of sucking insects
29
Page
Symptoms
Zucchini yellow mosaic on cucumber

Causal agent: Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV)
control measures
Symptoms may resemble those caused by PRSV-W

depending on the strain involved.
Leaves of the affected plants show yellow mosaic
(dark green bubbles on the leaf contrast with the
lighter green of the rest of the leaves) severe
malformation, blisters, serration and extreme
reduction in the size of leaf lamina.
The virus is spread in a non-persistent manner by a Cultural

number of aphid species, including Myzus persicae.
The virus is also easily transmitted mechanically through
2. Eradication of early infected plants and weed hosts from the field.
contaminated tools/implements.
3. Two rows of border cropping with Maize, Jowar, or Bajra give
There is circumstantial evidence of seed transmission
a reduction in the disease spread.
but it has been very difficult to prove.
The virus found to infect wild cucurbits which may be
5. Control/minimize aphid population by using plastic mulch, yellow
important reservoirs.
sticky traps.
Chemical control
1. Spray seedlings with Acephate (0.15%) or Monocrotophos (0.1%)
prior to transplanting.
2. Spray insecticides like Monocrotophos (0.15%), Acephate
(0.15%), at fortnightly intervals after transplanting till flowering
stage.
3. Chemical spray followed by neem seed kernel extract (2%) is also
effective in rotation with insecticides.
4. Spraying imidacloprid(confidor) at the rate of 1ml/litre of water to
control of sucking insects
30
Page
Symptoms
Tobacco ring spot on cucumber

Causal agent: Tobacco ring spot virus(TRSV)
Symptoms
control measures
The tobacco ring spot virus (TRSV) has a very broad

host range, affecting not only cucumber, but other
cucurbit species, several vegetable species, ornamental
plants and weeds. A prominent symptom is the
presence of small, pale circular spots on leaves.
Spots may be surrounded by a yellowish halo.
However, other symptoms can occur in the same field,
such as a general leaf mottle, a yellow mosaic, ring
spots, or necrosis. The photos shown here are intended
to be a guide for diagnosis; they should not be
considered diagnostic just for this virus.
Tiny, water-soaked spots can also occur on the fruit,
and also extending into it. Older plants can be stunted,
with less severe foliar symptoms.
One vector of TRSV is the dagger nematode,

Xiphinema americanum, but the disease can
occur when this nematode is not present in
soil. Other vectors of lesser importance include
thrips, mites, grasshoppers, and flea beetles.
Seed transmission can occur with melons, but
is not important with cucumbers. Plant juices
on hands or tools are also infectious.
TRSV can only be confirmed using a serological or PCR test and not on
symptoms alone. Symptoms vary because crops can be infected by a
mixture of viruses, and also, the cultivar, strain of virus, and growing
environment can affect symptom expression.
Control: No resistant cultivars are available. The disease may be a
problem in fields recently brought into production. Controlling weeds
may reduce disease incidence.
31
Leaf mottle symptoms

caused by TRSV
Transmission: Xiphinema americanum
Page
Initially smal circular spots

caused by TRSV
Yellow mosaic symptoms

caused by TRSV
Blossom end rot of cucumber
control measures
The first visible symptom of blossom-end rot is a water

soaked area near the blossom scar of the fruit. This area
later develops into a tan to brown, leathery lesion.
Saprophytic fungi often colonize these lesions, which
gives them a gray to black, velvety appearance.
Blossom-end rot is associated with insufficient calcium uptake and

alternating periods of wet and dry soil. Though blossom-end rot often
is associated with mature fruit, young, rapidly growing fruit are most
prone to calcium deficiency. Sudden and extreme changes in water
availability may induce fruit growth fluctuations that lead to blossomend rot. Stress associated with root damage, mild drought, high soil
salinity or excess nitrogen (excess ammonium) also may cause
Blossom end rot.
Drip irrigate to supply an even amount of water, and

apply lime to soils low in calcium. Avoid using
ammonium sources of fertilizer or excess magnesium.
Fertilize with calcium nitrate in areas where blossomend rot is known to occur.
Page
Symptoms
32
Causal agent: Calcium deficiency
Sunscald of cucumber
control measures
Sunscald occurs on the side of fruit exposed to direct sunlight. It first

appears as a wrinkled area that can be soft and lighter in colour
than surrounding tissue. In peppers, this area later collapses and
turns white and paper-like. The affected area often turns black due
to colonization by saprophytic fungi. Sunscald primarily affects fruit,
but leaves and stems also can be injured.
Fruit near maturity are more sensitive to sunscald injury than
immature fruit. Symptoms are similar in appearance to those of
blossom-end rot, but they are consistently associated with exposure
to direct sunlight.
Fruit suddenly exposed to direct sunlight due

to defoliation from disease, pruning or stem
breakage are most likely to develop sunscald.
Sunscald
occurs
when
internal
fruit
temperature increases and tissue is damaged
To prevent sunscald, the internal temperature of the fruit

should not rise above 35 C (95 F). Encourage abundant,
healthy foliage with proper fertilization and irrigation. In
greenhouse operations, shade plants during summer to help
reduce the incidence of this disorder. Use disease-resistant
varieties, and follow an effective disease and pest management
program to help reduce losses due to sunscald.
Page
Symptoms
33
Causal agent: Environmental
Table 1:Relative Effectiveness of various chemicals for cucurbit diseases control

Anthracnos
e
Bacterial
fruit blotch
Bacterial
wilt
Belly rot
Cercospora
leaf spot
Cottony
leak
Damping
off(Pythiu
m)
Downy
mildew
Gummy
stem blight
++++
++++
+++
+
+++
++++
++
+++
+
+++
++
+++
-
++++
++++
++++
++
?
_
?
_
++R
++
++++
+
+++
+
++++R
++++
+++
+
4+M
3
33
28
11
3
5
0
1
2
0
7
++
++++
?
++
+++++
?
?
-
++
?
-
+
?
-
?
-
+++R
++
+++
++++R
-
++
-
Target spot
Angular
leaf spot
1
0
3
0
5
1
Powdery
mildew
Alternaria
leaf spot
11
M
27
15
M
M
Phytophtho
ra blight
Preharvest
interval(days)
Azoxystrobin
Chlorothalonil
Cymoxanil
Dimethomorph
Mancozeb
Copper hydroxide
(fixed copper)
Mefenoxam+mancozeb
Myclobutanil
Fosetyle-al
Propamocarb
Pyraclostrobin
Tebuconazole
Relative control rating (- =ineffective: +++++= very effective; ? = lacking efficacy
Fungicide
group
Fungicides
++
+
+
?
+++R
++
+
+
++++
++++
++++
+
+++++R
+++R
++
+
++++
-
+++R
+
++++R +
++
-
Key to fungicide groups:

11=quinone outside inhibitors; 27=cyano acetamideoximes; 28=carbamates; 33=phosphonates; M=Multisite activity; 3=demethylation inhibitors; 15=cinnamic
acids
Page
34
R= Pathogen resistance to this fungicide has been reported, greatly reducing its efficacy. Combine with a protectant fungicide like Chlorothalonil to extend the
usefulness of the product
References:
1) Doolittle, S.P. 1920. The mosaic disease of cucurbits. United States Department of Agriculture Bulletin 879. 69 pp.
2) Francki, R.I.B., D.W. Mossop, and T. Hatta, T. 1979. Cucumber mosaic virus. Descriptions of Plant Viruses, No. 213 (No. 1 revised). Commonwealth
Mycological Institute, Association of Applied Biologists, Kew, Surrey, England.
3) Gallitelli, D. 2000. The ecology of Cucumber mosaic virus and sustainable agriculture. Virus Research 71:9-21.
4) Palukaitis, P., M.J. Roossinck, R.G. Dietzgen, and R.I.B. Francki. 1992. Cucumber mosaic virus. Advances in Virus Research 41:281-348.
Page
35
5) Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases. T. A Zitter, D. L. Hopkins, and C. E. Thomas, eds. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
"For better or for worse, Plant Pathology

had its genesis in fields and granaries
more than in halls of ivy. Society needed
agriculture and agriculture need plant
pathology."
"Plant pathology has helped reveal
profound and useful truths. It was among
the pioneers in revealing the vast and
variable world of microorganisms and in
identifying mans friends and foes
amongst them. It has shown how to
combat many of the bad ones and how to
utilize some of the good ones."
Page
36
E. C. Stakman. 1959

Cucumber Diseases - A Practical Guide To Identification & Control

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A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

Key aspects covered

Tropica seeds pvt ltd

Global Research Local Roots

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

TROPICA SEEDS PVT LTD

Global Research Local Roots

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

Angular leaf spot

Pseudomonas amygdali pv. lachrymans

Fungal diseases of cucumber

Nematode diseases of cucumber

Cucumber mosaic virus(CMV)

Viral Diseases of cucumber

Miscellaneous diseases and disorders of cucumber

Physiological disorder, calcium deficiency,

Table 1: Relative Effectiveness of various chemicals for cucurbit diseases control

Bacterial diseases of cucumber

Plant disease diagnosis

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

Plant Disease Diagnosis

Identify symptom variability. Variations in symptoms expressed by diseased

Often, plant pathologists have to rely on symptoms for the identification of a

Check for Symptoms and Signs

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

Diagnostic tests for identification of biotic causal agents. A major problem in

Check distribution of symptoms. One of the first things that a diagnostician

Isolation and identification of biotic plant disease causal agents. Isolation of

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

INTEGRATED DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Plant Disease Management

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

Angular leaf spot of cucumber

Cultural and Biological control

The bacterial pathogen is seed

Cucumbers should be grown from

7-10 day interval

7-10 day interval

5-10 day interval; a

Note: Copper sprays should not be continued in dry weather,

Small angular water-soaked spots

Conditions for disease

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

Bacterial wilt of cucumber

Conditions for disease development

Cultural and chemical control of cucumber beetles

Infected plants initially show wilting

The bacteria overwinter in the

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

Alternaria leaf blight of cucumber

Infection by A. cucumerina is favoured by

Cultural and Biological

Remove crop refuse at the end

7-10 day interval

2-3 application per

7-14 day interval; no

Another name for this disease is

Conditions for disease development

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CUCUMBER DISEASES

The fungus survives between seasons on