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Why are my squash leaves turning yellow with burn like spots? #802237

Asked July 20, 2022, 1:16 PM EDT

I have a couple of "dhudi" squash. I think it's bottle gourd in English. The leaves start deep green but they keep losing color and look burned at the edges. Could you help me to fix this?

Harris County Texas

Expert Response

Here are some of the possible reasons, if you think the plant may have been exposed to this situation it could be the cause. Although, there may not be 1 single cause.
  • From the picture, it looks like the plant is in a 1 or 2 gallon pot. Any chance the plant dried out over the season
  • Any possibility that the plant stays too wet from watering and doesn't get a chance to dry down. Both could stress the roots and result in the response you are seeing.
  • Has the been been fertilized during the growing season. 
  • Are the growing tips green and healthy? Or, do they look like the older leaves in the photos.
  • At this time of year, and the hot/dry conditions we've been having a lot of the squash will show signs of stress on the older foliage. If the new growth is healthy, I wouldn't be too concerned. 
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/files/2013/09/EHT-041.pdf

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/problem-solvers/cucurbit-problem-solver/

Thanks for the question.
Paul Winski Replied July 20, 2022, 5:16 PM EDT
Hi Paul, 

I'm watering these pots daily as well.  The soil in the pot is still slightly damp a couple of inches down when I water in the morning ( The top 1" or so is bone dry.)
I'm fertilizing them every other week, about 1 tsp Ironite and 4 Oz miracle gro.
And, yes, the new growth is healthy and we're getting fruit - it's mostly the big older leaves at the bottom that are getting that "rust" burned edges and are turning yellow.

Thanks, 
Meagan

On Wed, Jul 20, 2022, 4:16 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2022, 7:53 PM EDT
OK, if the new growth looks good and you are getting fruit it sounds like what you are doing is working. Good job.

Thanks,
Paul Winski Replied July 25, 2022, 8:36 PM EDT

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