Cucumber wilting - Ask Extension
I have the dreaded cucumber wilting of my cucumber starts I just planted. I understand from research this is from a bacteria in the soil. I have rai...
Knowledgebase
Cucumber wilting #871294
Asked June 03, 2024, 12:20 PM EDT
I have the dreaded cucumber wilting of my cucumber starts I just planted. I understand from research this is from a bacteria in the soil. I have raised beds and have had this problem for the past few years. I have tried rotating the location of my plantings to no avail. I understand there is no real "cure" once it is in the soil. How do I get rid of this? Do I have to remove the soil and replace it? I have friends who have the same problem, but they do not have raised beds. Is there a way to treat the soil, or do we resign ourselves to not having fresh cucumbers. Thank you.
I tried to find an answer on this site, but could not access FS 242 referenced in the article on growing cucumbers.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Holly. There are 21 diseases common in cucumbers, and I don't know which one you believe you have. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=cucurbita We can't provide a confident response without photos.
The soil borne Fusarium wilt is a fungus, not a bacteria. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/squash-cucurbita-spp-fusarium-wilt
Here is a working link to the cucumber article: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/grow-your-own-cucumbers
I hope this helps. Please write back if it doesn't answer your questions.
The soil borne Fusarium wilt is a fungus, not a bacteria. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/squash-cucurbita-spp-fusarium-wilt
Here is a working link to the cucumber article: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/grow-your-own-cucumbers
I hope this helps. Please write back if it doesn't answer your questions.
Here are pictures of my dying cucumbers.
Are these sufficient to diagnose what it is?
Holly McLean
On Jun 3, 2024, at 3:57 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thank you, but actually not. The garden bed looks very dry, with far too much mulch over the plants. I can't diagnose a soil pathogen (fungal or bacterial) without a lab test. And cucumber seedlings that haven't gotten enough sun get stringy and topple over. I suggest you get some new seedlings and plant them in good potting soil that will hold the moisture, in well-draining containers. Or, remove and discard the soil they're in, and replace with commercial topsoil. If they thrive, transplant them into that new bed, and rotate your plant species each year. https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2073/2020/03/Crop-Rotation-in-the-Home-Garden.pdf
Good luck!
Good luck!
How can I obtain a test of my soil? All other garden plants grow fine in the beds. If it is a bacteria, replacing the soil get rid of the bacteria?
Holly
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 3, 2024, at 6:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
You can get your soil tested, and your plant's tissue examined at the OSU Plant Clinic: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials
However, your plants may just need more water. Purchase a cheap soil water meter to see how dry it is. Good luck!
However, your plants may just need more water. Purchase a cheap soil water meter to see how dry it is. Good luck!
