black mold on squash?


  #1  
Old 06-28-05, 08:01 AM
mikeorthej
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black mold on squash?

I'm growing a small patch of yellow summer crookneck squash in a NC garden. There is a black mold that is killing most of the squash before they get over 2-3"...the ones that don't die on the vine due to the mystery mold, shrivel up before they get large enough to harvest. Is this a common ailment? Can it be treated with an herbicide (or pesticide, if it is a critter)? A dependable, environmentally-sound home remedy would be the first option...Can it spread to the nearby cukes, peppers and tomatoes? Any suggestions would be helpful.
 
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Old 06-28-05, 09:15 PM
T
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Squash will grow in a variety of soil types. A well-drained sandy loam is preferred, with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Avoid fields where cucumber, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, or pumpkin have been grown in the previous 2 years.

Yellow or brown spots on upper leaves, grayish mold on lower is downy mildew. Powder-like mold on leaves is powdery mildew. Foliage diseases, mostly powdery and downy mildews, are present in all seasons and require spraying with a fungicide.
 
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Old 06-28-05, 10:11 PM
C
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If you have had as much rain as we have had this year, this may be the culprit. Choanephora Wet Rot. The organism (Choanephora cucurbitarum) attacks summer squash as the blossoms wilt and quickly spreads down the fruit. A black mold, resembling tiny pinheads, appears on the necrotic area. Spores are spread by insects and splashing water. This disease is common under high moisture conditions.

Check with your local Extension Service for recommended fungicides.

Hope this helps.
 
 

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