Downy Mildew of Cucurbits

Downy mildew, caused by the fungus Pseudoperonospora cubensis, was observed in pumpkin and melon fields throughout Illinois in the past two weeks. This disease affected pumpkin field severely in 2001, but the detection was not observed in 2002. Downy mildew affects cantaloupes, cucumbers, gourds, muskmelons, pumpkins, squash, and watermelon. Downy mildew can reduce yield, fruit quality, and harvesting time. Control of downy mildew can be achieved by planting resistant varieties and/or fungicide spray program. For more information, please click here. For additional information on downy mildew, refer to the following website, and then click on downy mildew, and by clicking here as well.

Management of Powdery Mildew of Cucurbits.

Powdery mildew of cucurbits, caused by the fungus Sphaerotheca fuliginea, is an important disease of cucurbit crops in Illinois and worldwide. This disease can result in serious losses on muskmelon, pumpkin, and squash. The most effective approach for managing powdery mildew of cucurbits is IPM strategies using plant resistance, cultural practices, and fungicide treatments. For more information on powdery mildew of cucurbits, click here.

Illinois Pumpkin Field Day

Illinois Pumpkin field day will be held on September 5, 2003, at the Universityh of Illinois Vegetable Crops Research Farm , at Champaign, Illinois. The meeting will start at 10:00 a.m. and all of the presentations will be at the experimental sites. For more information on the Illinois Pumpkin Day, click here.