Cucumbers resistant to beetle damage - Ask Extension
Hello, Can you advise on cucumber varieties that are resistant to the effect of cucumber beetles? So many gardening friends, like myself, have struggl...
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Cucumbers resistant to beetle damage #823971
Asked March 30, 2023, 1:52 PM EDT
Hello, Can you advise on cucumber varieties that are resistant to the effect of cucumber beetles? So many gardening friends, like myself, have struggled with this and are looking to grow resistant varieties. Preferably the varieties being open pollinated for food security to feed our family and community over time. Thank you kindly!
Winnebago County Illinois
Expert Response
Hello,
The problem of bacterial wilt spread by cucumber beetles is difficult to remedy. There are relatively few varieties of cucumber that are resistant to bacterial wilt. Following is what I can find based on this list from Cornell University. OP = Open Pollinated
Shintokiwa (OP)
Arkansas Little Leaf (OP)
Country Fair
Little Leaf (OP)
Perseus
Row covers (until flowers appear) and timing planting are other techniques that can help reduce cucumber beetle pressure. Article dealing with cucurbit problems.
Be mindful that resistant does not mean immune. Just like us humans, a stressed plant is more likely to catch a disease than a healthy, vigorous plant.
The problem of bacterial wilt spread by cucumber beetles is difficult to remedy. There are relatively few varieties of cucumber that are resistant to bacterial wilt. Following is what I can find based on this list from Cornell University. OP = Open Pollinated
Shintokiwa (OP)
Arkansas Little Leaf (OP)
Country Fair
Little Leaf (OP)
Perseus
Row covers (until flowers appear) and timing planting are other techniques that can help reduce cucumber beetle pressure. Article dealing with cucurbit problems.
Be mindful that resistant does not mean immune. Just like us humans, a stressed plant is more likely to catch a disease than a healthy, vigorous plant.
