Fruit Rot of Summer Squash.....

[boggybranch]

.......Choanephora Wet Rot.

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0874/ANR-0874.pdf

 

[digitS']

I suspect that blossom end rot (BER) is more common that a fungus.

The development of spores would probably be an indication of a fungus but, still, it seems likely that naturally occuring fungi could easily attack with the blossom end rot.

The good thing about BER is that you can usally do something about it. Yes, there may be a calcium soil deficiency but, often, it is just a matter of closer monitoring of soil moisture.

I have a certain amount of problem with BER most years - in the tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and summer squash. My garden soil drains very quickly even tho' there should be plenty of calcium to help the plants hold water. Rapidly developing fruit have higher needs than normal.

(24 page, pdf) Common Problems of Cucurbit Crops, from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture talks about both problems. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service only mentions BER with regards to Summer Squash fruit rot.

Steve

 

[boggybranch]

I suspect that blossom end rot (BER) is more common that a fungus.

The development of spores would probably be an indication of a fungus but, still, it seems likely that naturally occuring fungi could easily attack with the blossom end rot.

The good thing about BER is that you can usally do something about it. Yes, there may be a calcium soil deficiency but, often, it is just a matter of closer monitoring of soil moisture.

I have a certain amount of problem with BER most years - in the tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and summer squash. My garden soil drains very quickly even tho' there should be plenty of calcium to help the plants hold water. Rapidly developing fruit have higher needs than normal.

(24 page, pdf) Common Problems of Cucurbit Crops, from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture talks about both problems. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service only mentions BER with regards to Summer Squash fruit rot.

Steve

REALLY great links. Thanks

 

[vfem]

You know... I realized it looks like my squash had every disease in the book after looking at those links Steve! LOL, THANK A LOT MAN! Just kidding.

Seriously though, I knew I had the mildew, and then my tomatoes got it, then I found a ton of squash bugs hatching, hand squished them, then wondered about these tiny squash that were rotting and covered in what looked like black fuzzy mold. Then no more flowers were coming up that didn't get the moldy stuff too. Once I saw Choanephora fruit rot on your link... plus everything else... hubby and I pulled the trash can into the garden, and just starting ripping them all out!!!

So Boggy, I know your frustrations and I am out there ripping things out and thinking the disease gods are out to get me too.

 

[hangin'witthepeeps]

So I have this wet rot too, I pulled out all my squash yesterday. I have four new squash plants (small) that I want to set out. I want to set them away from my garden, will they do good in grow bags or just put them in the ground and hope for the best?

 

[vfem]

So I have this wet rot too, I pulled out all my squash yesterday. I have four new squash plants (small) that I want to set out. I want to set them away from my garden, will they do good in grow bags or just put them in the ground and hope for the best?

Wait to plant in the same place after sanitizing the soil. The fungus is still there I am sure. I must sanitize my soil if I want to plant anymore more next year. I would just plant them in grow bags or pots at this point.

 

[digitS']

Remember, if it is Blossom End Rot rather than something exotic - you don't need to do anything.

BER is the same whether it is a tomato, pepper, eggplant or squash. The blossom end rots. The tissue is damaged from dehydration and it decays.

That's the extent of the problem. What you do about it is another story. There's no need to kill your plants, sterilize your soil, or take any other drastic measure with BER.

Steve

 

[vfem]

Digits, it is not blossom end rot... I promise... this is something else... I'm pretty sure since we all live in a humid area it truly is Choanephora Wet Rot

 

[hoodat]

One way to minimize it (it won't stop it entirely) is to cut off unpolinated squash as soon as they start to shrivel. The shriveling unpollinated fruit is dead tissue so it gives the mold a starting point.

 

[country lady]

I have a problem growing squash (mainly zucchini) every year even though I check for eggs on leaves. I have had no zucchini at all this summer and replanted lots of vegetable seeds as well. (We had a terrible winter and spring here) I've only seen two honey bees and I don't see the female squash bloom. However, I bet I have a hundred tomato plants tucked in every corner, not exaggerating. The heritage plants that I started in February and March didn't do that well but I had two packages of old seeds (Rutgers & Roma) that I threw in pots and boy did they come up. I will make tomato sauce and paste and share tomatoes with my neighbor, who eats tomatoes EVERY day, year round. I recycle potting soil and lots of tomato plants sprang up everywhere this year.

I also have a problem growing eggplant. One discovery though. DH took old windows and made an inverted V, which actually was a mini greenhouse and the plants under that this spring were amazing. I have used Wall-O-Waters before but this is better.