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Diseased cucumbers #878121

Asked July 21, 2024, 1:36 PM EDT

Is this anthracnose or powdery mildew? I cannot tell despite studying the spots. We do not water from above . We have air going to the vines. We have tried copper fungicide followed by neem. Have Not yet tried bacillus Thuringia . What is wrong? We sterilize our clippers after each use .

Ulster County New York

Expert Response

Hello Ann,

It appears that there are two problems and you have identified each of them: anthracnose and downy mildew and you have done everything that I would suggest, in particular fungicides. Bt is best used for cruciferous vegetables for potential worms and insects. Anthracnose is a leaf disease.

Pull off all the affected leaves and see if this stops the disease. Stop watering for a few days. If none of these work I'm afraid you may have to pull the plant. 

Do not plant cukes in the same spot next year since the soil may contain the organisms that cause this disease. I would suggest that you get a complete soil test to determine if something is lacking in your soil, in particular iron. 

Finally here is a website that may help:

https://dengarden.com/gardening/Plant-Diseases-that-Affect-Cucumbers-and-How-to-Treat-Them

All the best

Rose Unes MGV


An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2024, 10:21 AM EDT

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