Cucurbit downy mildew has been confirmed on pumpkin, butternut, and spaghetti squash in Northern New Jersey (Morris County). This is the first report of CDM on pumpkin, butternut and spaghetti squash in New Jersey this growing season. CDM has previously been reported on cantaloupe in Salem County on July 7th and on cucumber in Gloucester County (7/1) and in Atlantic County (6/13) in southern New Jersey. All cucurbit growers should scout on a daily basis and initiate a preventative fungicide program immediately. Remember, some CDM isolates fall into Clade I which predominately infect watermelon, pumpkin, and squash, where CDM isolates in Clade II predominately infect cucumber and cantaloupe. We now have both Clades present in New Jersey!
For more information on CDM, the clades, and CDM control please click here.
