Knowledgebase

Cucumber disease #879491

Asked July 30, 2024, 7:51 PM EDT

Could you please identify this fungus or disease on my cucumber? It is spreading to all the leaves.

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

Thanks for contacting "Ask Extension" with your question about your cucumber plant. There are several fungi and bacteria that could cause the damage shown in the picture. Possibilities include angular leaf spot, alternaria leaf spot and anthracnose.

Below are recommended management options.
  • Rotate crops. Do not plant cucumber or related crops in the same location for at least two years. 
  • Plant resistant varieties. (Link to disease resistant cucurbit varieties)
  • Avoid overhead watering.
  • Avoid crowding plants too closely.
  • Clean up and dispose of symptomatic leaves and stems.
  • Wash with soap and water after handling plants. Do not handle healthy plants after working with infected plants. Do not handle wet plants.
Copper fungicide spray or dust has been shown to reduce the spread if caught early. I don't think it will be effective at this point. 

For a fee,  you can submit a sample to the OSU Plant-clinic for fungal or bacterial ID. https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic 
   Hope this helps!
Deb K Replied August 01, 2024, 11:54 AM EDT
Hi Deb,

Thanks for your reply to my question. There wasn’t anything planted where the cucumber is for at least two years, and I planted one of the resistant varieties, “Summer Dance”. I’ve removed some of the leaves but don’t want to take too many off as the plant is still producing. The fruit looks fine. 

I’ll try a different location for this next year. It doesn’t seem to have spread to any other vegetables. 

Debra
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On Aug 1, 2024, at 8:55 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 11:07 PM EDT
According to WSU, Alternaria Leaf Spot doesn't usually spread to fruit in the PNW. It sounds like that may be what you have. In that case it's ok to leave the leaves on the plant until harvest.
Deb K Replied August 02, 2024, 3:10 PM EDT
Thanks for the info- I’ll look into Alternaria Lead Spot.
Debra
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On Aug 2, 2024, at 12:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2024, 3:52 PM EDT

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