Use seeds from a reputable seed company that has a history of fungus-free seeds. The plant debris, and even seeds, left over in the soil will harbor the spores of black rot fungus.Ĭareful preparation of soil prior to planting removes all old organic matter. Never plant cucumbers, melons, or other susceptible plants in the same area as the previous season’s crop. The first stages of a disease-free cucurbit crop are preparation and rotation. Ultimately, plants affected by this disease will bear rotten fruits, which are unmistakable and inedible. It is difficult to identify these early signs of gummy stem blight, which is why the preparation of the seedbed, purchasing resistant seeds, and rotating crops are important prequels to stem blight treatment. Many get water spotting on the foliage or stems may ooze black or brown gummy beads of fluid. Unfortunately, the first signs vary dependent upon plant species. You should start treating black rot fungus at the first signs of the disease. When conditions are 85 percent humid or wet and warm, with temperatures averaging in the 60s, (16-21 C.), the fungal spores bloom. Stem blight forms when seeds or sites are previously infected with fungal spores. The dark coloring of these lesions also lends the disease the name of black rot fungus. The stems and fruit will show black, soft spots or large, brown lesions that are bordered by black. The leaves will get necrotic areas of dead tissue that turn brown and have a darker halo. The fungus will overwinter in milder climates in soil and plant debris. The spores of the fungus can spread in soil or by air. Gummy stem blight fungus is most active during periods of warm, wet weather. Find out what is gummy stem blight so you can prevent this problem in your vegetable garden. Stem blight treatment must start before you even plant the seeds to be entirely effective. The fungus damages the tissues of the stem at all stages of development. It is a contagious disease that can spread across a field of fruits. Gummy stem blight is a fungal disease of melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits.
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