Manny Cucumber Seeds

CVYV – Cucumber Vein Yellowing Virus

Type: Virus - Ipomovirus

Cucumber Vein Yellowing Virus is a world-wide virus disease that affects the growth of cucumbers and watermelons. Symptoms include vein yellowing and vein clearing of the leaves and stunting of the plants. Light to dark green mosaic is observed on cucumbers. Watermelon splitting has been observed. The virus can reduce yields. It is spread by the whitefly. The virus overwinters in many perennial weeds. The infected plants should be removed to avoid further infestation. Plan on using a 3 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year. Keep the fields weed free as infected perennials can harbor the virus. Proper tillage practices may be helpful in managing the disease. Insecticides for whiteflies may help control the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.

PM – Powdery Mildew

Scientific Name: Erysiphe betae

Type: Fungus

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the growth of beets, cantaloupes & melons, cucumbers, peas, squash, Swiss chard, and tomatoes. The fungal disease may cause poor growth of the fruits in cucumbers if the infection is severe. The leaves of the cucumber begin to wither and then fall off prematurely. The disease usually affects older leaves. The leaves tend to turn a light green or a yellow green when infected. A powdery white or light gray color mold appears on the underside of the leaves. An odor similar to that of a musty basement is noticeable in fields with severe powdery mildew. The disease can spread rapidly under favorable conditions and infect the entire leaves within a week. The disease is favorable with long periods of dry weather, warm days, and cool nights, and fluctuations of day/night temperatures. The most favorable temperatures are 54-81 F and usually occur in early spring and autumn when moisture and humidity are very high. The disease can spread rapidly and can infect a field within 5 days. Fungicides for powdery mildew can help manage the disease. Good air circulation and increasing space between the plants can help control and prevent the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.