Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Cucurbit wet rot (144)

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Photo 1. Cucurbit wet rot, Choanephora cucurbitarum, on fruit of squash near the soil surface. The fungus is forming dark spores giving the fruit a "hairy" look.

Photo 2. Cucurbit wet rot, Choanephora cucurbitarum, on capsicum.

Photo 3. Cucurbit wet rot, Choanephora cucurbitarum, on zucchini. Similar to Photo 1.

Photo 4. Choanephora cucurbitarum, on dying leaves of capsicum.

Photo 5. Choanephora cucurbitarum blosson blight.

Photo 6. Cucurbit wet rot, Choanephora cucurbitarum, on capsicum. Possibly, the wet rot has followed damage caused by anthracnose or sunscald.

Photo 7. Spores of cucumber wet rot, Choanephora cucurbitarum, on bean.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. A common fungus, causing rots on fruit, flowers and leaves in bean, cucumber, papaya and tomato families. A minor disease.
• Spores are splashed from soil onto wounds made by insects, weather events or during cultivation. Also, flowers wilt, become infected, then supply spores.
• Spread is by spores on the wind. Worse in wet weather, high temperatures and high humidity.
• Rots occur in cold storage without producing spores.
• Cultural control: plant spacing important for squash and zucchini, allowing leaves to dry rapidly after rain.
• Chemical control: none recommended.

Common Name

Cucurbit wet rot, Choanephora fruit rot, Choanephora blossom blight

Scientific Name

Choanephora cucurbitarum

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