The Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program is warning that “Cucurbit Downey Mildew” has been found in neighboring counties and is expected it to be found soon here in Chautauqua County. C-D-M causes rectangular checkerboarding that stays within the boundaries of veins. People raising cucumber, melon, pumpkin, and squash should scout their fields twice a week. Professional growers should be implementing their downy mildew best management practices at this time.
Suspected cases of C-D-M should be put into a zip seal baggie with a big breath of air or spritz of water and left on the counter overnight to force sporulation. Once sporulating, CDM can be visually confirmed by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Unfortunately, there are not great mitigation options once the plants are infected, specifically for homeowners, as most home remedies and off-the-shelf fungicide products do little to stop an infection.
CCE is looking to collect samples to provide to researchers who are continuing to work on better controls for cucurbit downy mildew.
If you suspect that you have CDM, home gardeners may contact Chautauqua County master gardeners at chautauquamg@cornell.edu, 716-664-9502 Ext.224, or email chautauqua@cornell.edu.
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