Vegetable and Fruit Crops Pathology

I. Downy Mildew of Cucurbits

Downy mildew, caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, affects all cucurbit crops. In Illinois, this disease usually occurs toward the end of the season. There has been no report of incedence of downy mildew in Illinois in 2005 yet. Downy mildew, however, has been reported on cucurbit crops eastern US, from Florida up to New Jersey. Periodically scouting cucurbit fields for presence of downy mildew symptoms would help to effectively control this disease. For more information on downy mildew of cucurbits, click here.

II. Watermelon Mosaic Disease on Squash

Watermelon mosaic disease, caused by watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), is an important disease of cucurbits. This diseas has already been observed ib squashes in Illinois and was confirmed. WMV can infect more than 160 plant species, including most members of the Cucurbitaceae and many leguminous species. Use of resistant cultivars can effectively control WMV. Application of mineral oil sprays interferes with virus transmission. Use of insecticides to control aphid populations reduces virus spread. For more information on WMV, click here.

III. Illinois 2005 Pumpkin Field Day

Illinois 2005 Pumpkin Field Day will be held at Belleville, Illinois, on September 8. Commercial pumpkin growers and others interested people in pumpkin production are encouraged to come to participate in this event. This event provides attendees with an opportunity to listen to researchers and extension specialists discuss issues in pumpkin production as well as to showcase on-going pumpkin field research. Speakers from the University of Illinois, UI Extension and Southern Illinois University will be on hand. For more information on Illinois 2005 Pumpkin Field Day, click here.

IV. Identifying and Manageing Cucurbit Pests

The publication Identifying and Managing Cucurbit Pests; Diseses, Insects, and Weeds in now available. To Place on order call 1-800-345-6087 or visit the website www.PublicationsPlus.uiuc.edu. For more information, click here.

July 15, 2005
	I. Downy Mildew of Cucurbits Downy mildew, caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, affects all cucurbit crops. In Illinois, this disease usually occurs toward the end of the season. There has been no report of incedence of downy mildew in Illinois in 2005 yet. Downy mildew, however, has been reported on cucurbit crops eastern US, from Florida up to New Jersey. Periodically scouting cucurbit fields for presence of downy mildew symptoms would help to effectively control this disease. For more information on downy mildew of cucurbits, click *here. II. Watermelon Mosaic Disease on Squash Watermelon mosaic disease, caused by watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), is an important disease of cucurbits. This diseas has already been observed ib squashes in Illinois and was confirmed. WMV can infect more than 160 plant species, including most members of the Cucurbitaceae and many leguminous species. Use of resistant cultivars can effectively control WMV. Application of mineral oil sprays interferes with virus transmission. Use of insecticides to control aphid populations reduces virus spread. For more information on WMV, click here. III. Illinois 2005 Pumpkin Field Day Illinois 2005 Pumpkin Field Day will be held at Belleville, Illinois, on September 8. Commercial pumpkin growers and others interested people in pumpkin production are encouraged to come to participate in this event. This event provides attendees with an opportunity to listen to researchers and extension specialists discuss issues in pumpkin production as well as to showcase on-going pumpkin field research. Speakers from the University of Illinois, UI Extension and Southern Illinois University will be on hand. For more information on Illinois 2005 Pumpkin Field Day, click here. IV. Identifying and Manageing Cucurbit Pests The publication Identifying and Managing Cucurbit Pests; Diseses, Insects, and Weeds* in now available. To Place on order call 1-800-345-6087 or visit the website www.PublicationsPlus.uiuc.edu. For more information, click here.