Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• resistance to disease (powdery mildew, viruses)
DISEASES AND PESTS
For the most part, the diseases that affect squash grown for food also affect
squash grown for seed. The main difference is in dealing with viral diseases. Zucchini yellow mosaic
virus can afflict all cucurbits and, though usually spread by aphids or mechanically (via garden tools
and the like), it can also be seed-borne. Well-defined, dark green blisters develop on the leaves; growth
of new shoots is stunted; warts and boils form on infected fruits. Do not save seed from these plants,
and remove them as soon as possible, though their fruits can still be eaten. Another virus that can pop
up is the cucumber mosaic virus, though it is not yet clear whether it can be seed-borne. The virus
overwinters on ornamental plants and weeds and is spread to young cucurbits in spring by aphids. A
light and dark green checkered pattern appears on infected leaves, especially younger leaves. Older
leaves may get light and dark yellow spots as well as become deformed. Fruits stay small, with the
skin becoming bumpy and developing yellow rings. Row cover or fine-meshed netting can help pro-
tect plants from aphids. Spraying a soapy solution can help get rid of aphids.
Hand pollinating squash
