identification of disease - Ask Extension
The leaves on my zucchini and summer squash plants are turning a mottled yellow and dark green. There are flowers but they are drying up before prod...
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identification of disease #879438
Asked July 30, 2024, 2:15 PM EDT
The leaves on my zucchini and summer squash plants are turning a mottled yellow and dark green. There are flowers but they are drying up before producing fruit. I had it last year on just one plant but it is spreading this year. Could you please identify the disease? Thanks!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Karel,
Thanks for your question. This looks like it could be herbicide damage, potentially from a growth-inhibiting herbicide, like 2,4-D. It might be from a small whiff but is not serious. The plant will continue to produce.
I suspect the lack of fruit (and/or the shriveled fruit) is related more to cultural issues than the potential herbicide damage. It's been very hot and very dry - when these plants are producing flowers and fruit, they require at least an inch of water per week, potentially more. Try to keep at least the top four inches of soil continually moist. You can also use grass clippings or chopped leaves as mulch to help retain soil moisture.
Thanks for your question. This looks like it could be herbicide damage, potentially from a growth-inhibiting herbicide, like 2,4-D. It might be from a small whiff but is not serious. The plant will continue to produce.
I suspect the lack of fruit (and/or the shriveled fruit) is related more to cultural issues than the potential herbicide damage. It's been very hot and very dry - when these plants are producing flowers and fruit, they require at least an inch of water per week, potentially more. Try to keep at least the top four inches of soil continually moist. You can also use grass clippings or chopped leaves as mulch to help retain soil moisture.
