2
points
White spots on squash and zucchini leaves

Squash    MA

I've had these pictures of my squash plants since summer and wasn't sure who to ask. Both my squash and zucchini plants ended up with strange white spots on their leaves which were quite different from one another. I wondered if it was a disease? It was my first time growing both and I'd like to try again this year. Do you know what caused this? Is there any danger that if I plant the seedlign in the same place that it might happen again this year?


Posted by: Sarah E (2 points) Sarah E
Posted: February 8, 2013




Answers

2
points
The squash has powdery mildew. There are a number of fungicides that can be sprayed. The Zucchini may have a virus. Not sure if it's Cucumber mosaic, though.



Posted by: Russ Bulluck (4 points) Russ Bulluck
Posted: February 8, 2013


Lindsay McMenemy commented,
definitely powdery mildew, I agree
about 11 years ago.

Sarah E commented,
thank you!
about 11 years ago.



2
points
The white spots on the squash leaves are almost certainly powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungus and squash plants are very susceptible to infection. It can also spread very easily between plants and you can see that it is already starting to spread to neighboring plants. It begins by producing very characteristic powdery circular spots on the leaves. These spots grow larger and will eventually cover the whole leaf causing it to turn yellow. The fungus may also spread to other parts of the plants such as the stems, flowers or fruit.

Prevention
The best way to prevent powdery mildew is really to take the necessary precautions to prevent it emerging in the first place. Make sure that you plant your squash in full sun and don't overcrowd them. This ensures maximum air circulation around the plant and allows plants to dry quicker when they get wet. A protective fungicide may be required for squash as it is particularly susceptible. Sulfur can be used on leaves to prevent the emergence of powdery mildew. There are many forms available but wettable sulfur is generally considered to give the best control.

Treatment
If, as in your case, powdery mildew has already appeared then you will need to treat it with either an horticultural oil or an organic, plant-based oil such as neem oil. This will kill off existing fungi and should be applied as soon as powdery mildew symptoms are observed. Fungicides can be damaging to your plants if used incorrectly so always be sure to read the instructions on the label before applying any fungicide, organic or otherwise, to your plants.

Finally, In the case of your zucchini plant I am inclined to think that the plant is not diseased and it is in fact simply a natural pattern on the leaves. Many zucchini varieties produce mottled leaves. If you look closely, you will see that the patterning is very regular and almost symmetrical. If this was a disease such as cucumber mosaic then the leaf symptoms would be blotchy and irregular.

I don't think you have anything to worry about this year. Space your plants well to encourage good air circulation and do not over water. Powdery mildew will thrive in wet soil and high humidity. Look out for the patterned leaves on the zucchini again of you grow the same variety, that should reassure you that its natural.


Posted by: Lindsay McMenemy (4 points) Lindsay McMenemy
Posted: February 8, 2013


Sarah E commented,
thank you, I'll be on the lookout this year
about 11 years ago.

deactivated commented,
I agree with Lindsay - a number of varieties produce this pattern along the veins of the leaves.
about 11 years ago.



1
point
http://goo.gl/sKz9F

possibly cucumber mosaic virus which if I mind aright can be passed from one generation to another in the wood seedcases of cucurbits, google for mair detail :)


Posted by: brian gibb (2 points) brian gibb
Posted: February 8, 2013


deactivated commented,
Edited: I shortened the link
about 11 years ago.



1
point
The image on the left is definitely powdery mildew, a common fungus that often shows up later in the season as the plants are setting fruit. Squash and pumpkins can tolerate a certain level of infection (this doesn't look too bad), but it can get severe enough to kill leaves. Many fungicides will control it, but if you want to be more organic, look for recipes of canola oil mixed with water and a couple drops of detergent, or canola/baking soda/water mixes. They do work, but be careful in hot weather to avoid leaf burn - try a few leaves first.

The image on the right is natural silvering, a genetic (varietal) trait. There are tiny pockets of air under the leaf surface that reflect light. Some think it helps repel aphids.


Posted by: Charlie B. (5 points) Charlie B.
Posted: February 28, 2013


David Hughes commented,
Great Answer Charlie. I hope the original poster gives this answer the ribbon (https://www.plantvillage.com/blog)
about 11 years ago.

David Hughes commented,
Cool. You got a ribbon!
about 11 years ago.

innocent Mwabutwa commented,
yes that is a brilliant idea
4 months ago.



1
point
Here is a similar question that provides other helpful information https://www.plantvillage.com/posts/17...


Posted by: David Hughes (66 points) David Hughes
Posted: July 30, 2014




0
points
I alway use milk. One part milk to two parts water and it clears them up


Posted by: Jason (1 point) Jason
Posted: May 17, 2016




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