Bacterial
Wilt - Squash
and cucumbers |
Bacterial wilt is caused by the bacterium Erwinia tracheiphila,
which clogs vascular systems of affected plants. It affects mainly
cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins. The bacterium overwinters in
the “intestines” of cucumber beetles and they transmit
the bacterium when feeding on cucurbits. It is often seen in
early to mid season cucumbers as the overwintering generation
of cucumber beetles carrying the pathogen attack them first.
The affected branches wilt first and later on extend to the whole
plant. It can lead to serious yield loss (50-100%) both in small
gardens and large-scale farm operations.
Control cucumber beetles early in the season by spraying with
insecticides recommended in your state when the plants are one-week
old. Continue treating till two weeks before harvesting (or as
recommended on label), remove and destroy wilted plants, and use
row covers until pollination time (when male and female flowers
are present). |
