Fungal Diseases
- Leaf Spot
- Gray Mold
- Seedling Death
- Fungal Wilt
- Downy Mildew
- Powdery Mildew
- White Cottony Mold
- Gummy Stem Blight
- Root Rot caused by fungal diseases, including:
- Rhizoctonia
- Fusarium
- Phytophthora
- Pythium
These are all diseases, but there are many that affect various crops. Each crop can be particularly vulnerable to specific diseases. The most severe fungal disease affecting cucumbers is downy mildew, which presents symptoms such as:
Downy Mildew Symptoms:
Small yellow spots in square or circular shapes on the upper leaf surface.
Treatment:
There are many fungicides available, but it’s essential to use a strong one:
- Revus
- Cabriotop
- Ridomil Gold Plus
- Previcur
- Ridomil Mancozeb
Or similar products from reputable companies. For all fungal diseases affecting cucumbers, a balanced fertilization approach and maintaining copper levels from planting to harvest can significantly enhance disease resistance.
Insects Affecting Cucumbers
- Leaf Worms
- Root Borer
- Thrips
- Cutworms
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
As mentioned, downy mildew is the most significant fungal disease for cucumbers. It’s crucial to recognize that the most important insects affecting cucumbers are spider mites and aphids.
Spider Mites:
Treatment:
- Vertimec (Syngenta)
- Actin (Syngenta)
- Challenger
- Piperonyl Butoxide
If results are unsatisfactory after using all pesticides, add 250 ml of a pesticide called Delta Methrin.
Aphids:
Aphids are particularly significant because they are the primary virus carriers in cucumbers, unlike zucchini where whiteflies are the main carriers.
To combat all insects from day one, add 200 grams of Imidacloprid per feddan during the first week of planting.
Viral Diseases
The most important viral disease is Cucumber Mosaic Virus, primarily transmitted by aphids, with rapid spread facilitated by whiteflies.
Nematode Diseases
Root-Knot Nematodes in Cucumbers
It is preferable to use a nematicide with a PHI of zero due to the risks and long residual effects of nematicides. For cucumbers, treatments every 4 to 6 days are advisable, using products that are effective against nematodes without issues, such as:
- Nema-Ke from Green Goodness Company
- Nema Zero Plus from the Ministry of Agriculture
Or any product with a zero PHI as discussed.
