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New York State Crop Profiles | |
Crop Profile: Pumpkins in New York |
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Introduction: Pumpkins are a key fresh market vegetable crop for NY producers, and are in the top five vegetable crops in terms of crop value. Pumpkins are produced for local direct-to-consumer sales and for large wholesale markets in the eastern US. Unlike other vegetable crops, pumpkins are grown almost exclusively for ornamental use and few are actually consumed. Because of the lack of registered herbicides, weeds are probably the most important pest of pumpkin production; the industry has a critical need for more registrations of weed control products. Like other cucurbits, pumpkins are susceptible to a very wide range of diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, gummy stem blight, and Phythophthora fruit and crown rot. Due to the nature of the diseases affecting pumpkins, fungicides are the most important disease management tool. Very limited plant host resistance is available. Cultural practices are used as a disease management tool whenever possible. Two new fungicides have recently been registered for use. Cucumber beetles and aphids can cause economically significant damage by direct feeding and by vectoring diseases.
Registration of new materials by the EPA, even those designated as "low risk", does not guarantee that NY growers will have immediate access to them. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation conducts its own in-depth reviews before registering new pesticides for use in NY, and may or may not register new materials for portions of or for the entire state.
Lee Stivers
Cornell Cooperative Extension
249 Highland Ave
Rochester, NY 14620
716-461-1000
email) ljs14@cornell.edu
State Rank: Not available.
% U.S. Production: Not available.
Acres Planted: 5388 (1997 Ag. Census figures. Note: due to underreporting, it is estimated that the true acreage is closer to 6000-7000)
Cash Value: Estimated $17-20 million (figures not tracked by Ag. Statistics Service)
Yearly Production Costs: 1600-2800, estimated
Commodity Destination(s): An estimated 99% of the crop is used for holiday decorations and is therefore never consumed. The remaining 1%, used for baking and pie filling, is marketed through fresh market wholesale and retail channels primarily within the state.
Production Regions: Production is scattered throughout all major growing areas of the state. Major counties include Monroe (302 acres), Columbia (190), Orange (670), Suffolk (517), Ulster (338), Dutchess (205), Erie (196), Onondaga (262), and Ontario (195).
Cultural Practices: Pumpkins are usually direct seeded into the soil when the soil temperature is greater than 60º F, usually in late May through early June. Vining types are usually planted in rows 6-8 feet apart and with a distance of 2-3 feet between plants. Row spacing for bush types is 4-6 feet, with 1.5-2 feet between plants. Bee activity is necessary for adequate fruit set, especially during a critical 2-3 week period, and growers often set up hives near fields. Irrigation is sometimes used during dry seasons. Pumpkins like a long, warm growing season and are usually harvested by hand starting in early into September and October. Yields can range from 20,000 - 40,000 lb/acre.
Note on Pesticide Use Information: Pesticide use practices vary considerably among pumpkin producers due to differences in scale, local and yearly pest pressures, and target market. A "typical" use pattern for a particular pest or set of pests does not exist. To reflect this variability, numbers in tables in the following sections are given as estimated ranges based on grower surveys as well as expert opinion.
Frequency of Occurrence: Sporadic, but damage can be extensive.
Damage Caused: The larvae or maggots of this fly burrow into pumpkin seed, often destroying the germ, which causes seed death or poor germination. Injury is more prevalent during cool, wet weather.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk; typically 20% affected in a given year.
Pest Life Cycles: The seedcorn maggot is common throughout the northeastern US, where it overwinters primarily as a puparium in the soil. During spring planting time, the first generation of flies begins to emerge. They lay eggs one to two weeks later just below the surface of recently plowed ground. High crop residue and fresh manure also attract flies which feed on the organic matter. The maggots hatch in four to seven days and feed primarily on decaying organic matter. After feeding for seven to 21 days, the larvae pupate in the soil, usually near the place of larval feeding. The entire life cycle is completed in three to four weeks. There may be three to five generations of seed corn maggots per season; however, the first and second are the most destructive.
Timing of Control: Preplant.
Yield Losses: Stand losses can reach as high as 80%.
Cultural Control Practices: The following cultural practices help minimize losses from this insect: incorporating crop residues well before planting; avoiding manure applications before planting; avoiding low, wet areas; and shallow planting to speed emergence. No resistant varieties are available.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: Naturally occuring predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, including nematodes, may help suppress infestations.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: None.
Chemical Controls:
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days |
hours |
| chlorpyrifos
(Lorsban)
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grower-applied seed treatment |
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at planting |
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| lindane +
captan (Isotox)
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|
grower-applied seed treatment |
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at planting |
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1. PHIs in this and all tables in this document indicate the shortest actual number of days between application and harvest, and not label PHIs.
Use in IPM Programs: The use of commercial or grower applied seed treatments is consistent with Cornell IPM recommendations.
Use in Resistance Management: None reported.
Alternatives: Thiamethoxam (trade name Adage), a new insecticide from Novartis, may be an effective alternative, but trials have yet to be conducted.
Frequency of Occurrence: Annually.
Damage Caused: Early in the growing season when pumpkins plants are small, heavy feeding by the striped or spotted cucumber beetle can kill a plant in a few days. The beetles like to feed on the thick and fleshy cotyledon leaves. Later in the season the striped cucumber beetle will feed on stems, foliage and fruit, while the spotted cucumber beetle feeds primarily on the leaves. The striped cucumber beetle larvae can feed on the pumpkin roots causing stunted plants and delayed fruit development. Cucumber beetles also carry the bacterium that causes bacterial wilt, as well as vector squash mosaic virus. In addition, they may also play a role in transmitting Fusarium diseases.
% Acres Affected: 100%
Pest Life Cycles: Striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum), spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi), and western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) all attack vine crops in NY. Striped cucumber beetles overwinter as adults and rapidly convene on newly emerged plants. The other two species occur later in the season and damage more mature plants. Eggs of striped cucumber beetles are laid in soil near the base of the plant, and larvae feed on the root and stem of cucurbit plants.
Timing of Control: crop emergence
Yield Losses: up to 100% in heavily infested, untreated areas
Cultural Control Practices: use of trap crops or yellow mulches to aggregate overwintering adults. Row covers will provide protection early in the season, but they must be removed when blossoms appear. Some tolerance has been seen in certain varieties. The use of preferred varieties as trap crops for more efficient control shows potential.
Regional Differences: None
Biological Control Practices: None
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Deep plowing and clean cultivation after harvest may reduce overwintering populations. However, many cucumber beetles migrate in and out of hedgerows, limiting the efficacy of this practice.
Other Issues: Research has recently been conducted on methods to trap beetles and/or use bait stations. New research on tolerance to defoliation has also been established but has not been widely tested on grower fields.
Foliar Insecticides for Control of Cucumber Beetles, Aphids,
and Squash Bugs:
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Target
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lbs ai/acre |
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days |
hours |
| carbaryl
(Sevin)
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SB |
|
foliar |
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seedling through vining |
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| endosulfan
(Thiodan) |
SB |
|
foliar |
|
seedling through vining |
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| esfenvalerate
(Asana) |
SB |
|
foliar |
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seedling through fruit set |
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| permethrin
(Ambush) |
SB |
|
foliar |
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seedling through fruit set |
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| oxydemeton-
methyl (Metasystox-R) |
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|
foliar |
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midseason through fruit set |
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1. Key to Target Pests: CB=cucumber beetles, SB=squash bug, A=aphids
Use in IPM Programs: Use of all 4 materials consistent with Cornell IPM recommendations. Scouting thresholds have been established.
Use in Resistance Management: None reported.
Alternatives: Research from Pennsylvania shows the promise of imidacloprid as part of an IPM approach. IR-4 petitioned EPA for a Section 3 label in 1996, but no decision has been made yet. Adios, a commercial attractant/feeding stimulant/insecticide is available but has not been widely adopted by producers. Research showed little effect under commercial situations.
Frequency of Occurrence: Sporadic
Damage Caused: Direct feeding of aphids on pumpkins is not usually a problem. However, aphids can transmit watermelon mosiac virus (WMV) and other viruses. These diseases, which have no treatment after infection, can reduce yields significantly, especially in late-planted pumpkins. Also, sooty mold can develop on fruits on the honeydew secreted by aphids, resulting in cosmetic damage that renders pumpkins unmarketable.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk; up to 25% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: Aphids live in colonies on the undersides of leaves. They feed on sap from the leaves which can weaken a plant and reduce fruit production.
Timing of Control: When runners are present through fruit coloring.
Yield Losses: Losses can be severe due to virus diseases vectored by aphids.
Cultural Control Practices: Plant late season fields far away from existing cucurbits.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: Many naturally occurring beneficials help control aphids.
Post-Harvest Control Practices:
Chemical Controls: See "Cucumber Beetle" section above for use pesticide use patterns.
Use in IPM Programs: As-needed us of insecticides is consistent with Cornell IPM recommendations. A scouting protocol has been established.
Use in Resistance Management: None reported.
Alternatives: Pymetrozine (Fulfill; from Novartis) is a new aphicide that may be an effective alternative.
Frequency of Occurrence: Frequently found, but often not at economically significant levels.
Damage Caused: Leaves fed upon by squash bugs first develop small specks, which turn yellow and later brown, vines will wilt from the point of the attack to the end of the vine, and affected parts become black and crisp. Squash bug feeding can kill small to medium-sized plants. Adult squash bugs live on the underside of leaves and are difficult to kill. These bugs also feed directly on developing fruit, causing fruit scars.
% Acres Affected: 100%
Pest Life Cycles: Adults are flat, grayish or yellowish brown, about 5/8 inch in length. Eggs are reddish orange and laid in clusters on the lower leaf surface. Nymphs are pale green, and darken as they mature. Young nymphs feed in clusters. Adults and nymphs feed on leaves and stems, and directly on developing fruit. Adults overwinter in crop debris and other sheltered places.
Timing of Control: Beginning when plants develop runners, through harvest.
Yield Losses: Usually minimal.
Cultural Control Practices: None.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: Naturally-occurring predators, parasitoids, and pathogens help suppress infestations. A tachinid fly parasitoid is very common.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Removal or thorough destruction of crop debris and other field trash will remove overwintering shelter. Deep tillage will bury and kill overwintering adults.
Other Issues: None.
Chemical Controls: See "Cucumber Beetle" section, above, for use patterns.
Use in IPM Programs: As-needed use of insecticides is consistent with Cornell IPM recommendations. A scouting protocol has been established.
Use in Resistance Management: None reported.
Frequency of Occurrence: Occurs annually throughout the state.
Damage Caused: The fungus on the foliage and young stems first appears as white talcum-like spots of fungal growth on the plant surfaces. Later the spots turn brown and dry, and plants may appear stunted. Powdery mildew can also affect the quality of pumpkin handles (stems). Fruit may be poorly colored and/or sunburned because of the loss of foliage. Left untreated, plants infected early tend to produce smaller fruit.
% Acres Affected: 100%
Pest Life Cycles: The causal fungus can be introduced by wind from areas with relatively warm winters where the fungus overwinters. A white talcum-like growth appears on the foliage after infection. Periods of dry weather with high temperatures favor disease development.
Timing of Control: from fruit initiation to end of season
Yield Losses: up to 75% in severely affected fields.
Cultural Control Practices: Two commercially acceptable varieties with powdery mildew resistance are now available. Cutting mature fruit from vines can minimize handle loss.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: None.
Other Issues: Research on chemical and non-chemical strategies for managing powdery mildew is ongoing (Zitter; McGrath) and includes screening of new fungicides for efficacy and crop tolerance.
Foliar Fungicides for Pumpkin Disease Control:
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lbs ai/acre |
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days |
hours |
| benomyl
(Benlate) |
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fruitset through harvest |
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|
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| chlorothalonil
(Bravo) |
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|
1.5 |
fruitset through harvest |
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| thiophanate-
methyl (Topsin-M) |
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fruitset through harvest |
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| maneb
(Maneb) |
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fruitset through harvest |
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| mancozeb
(Dithane) |
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fruitset through harvest |
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| copper
compounds |
BLS |
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fruitset through harvest |
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| azoxystrobin2
(Quadris) |
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fruitset through harvest |
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| triademefon3
(Bayleton) |
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fruitset through harvest |
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| myclobutonil2
(Nova) |
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fruitset through harvest |
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| mefenoxam
(Ridomil Gold Bravo) |
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fruitset through harvest |
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1. Key to diseases: An=Anthracnose; Al=Alternaria leaf blight; GSB=Gummy stem blight; PM=powdery mildew; S=Scab; BR=Belly rot; DM=Downey mildew; SLS=Septoria leaf spot; BLS=Bacterial leaf spot; ALS=Angular leaf spot.
2. Azoxystrobin is expected to be labeled in NY by the summer of 1999, and myclobutonil by EPA by the end of 1999. They were both available to growers in 1998 through a Section 18 label (except azoxystrobin was not allowed on Long Island); a Section 18 request has been filed for myclobutonil use in 1999.
3. Use is being cancelled by manufacturer. Existing stocks may be used.
Use in IPM Programs: Cornell IPM recommendations call for the use of fungicides on a 7-14 day schedule beginning when powdery mildew is first found in the field. Because control hinges upon getting fungicide on the underside of the leaves and on the lower leaves, it is recommended to use a systemic fungicide in combination with a contact fungicide (chlorothalonil or fixed copper) and to maximize spray coverage.
Use in Resistance Management: Pathogen strains have become resistant to triademefon (no longer available) and benomyl or thiophanate-methyl. It is recommended that growers alternate between two systemic fungicides with different modes of action (e.g. azoxystrobin and myclobutonil) and also use a protectant fungicide (e.g. chlorothalonil) not at risk for resistance.
Alternatives: Recent registration of azoxystrobin nationally by the EPA and pending registration of myclobutonil provide very useful tools in controlling this disease, and in managing resistance. Trifloxystrobin (Flint; Novartis) has provided excellent powdery mildew control in Cornell trials. Sovran (from BASF) is another new unregistered fungicide similar to Flint. Oils and sulfur are registered and effective. Kaligreen and eKsPunge (potassium bicarbonate) may be registered for use in NY by 1999.
Frequency of Occurrence: Frequently found throughout the state.
Damage Caused: Gummy stem blight refers to the foliar and stem-infecting phase of the disease, and black rot to the fruit rot phase. Gummy stem blight causes leaf and stem necrosis and tissue death. Infected fruit rot either in the field or after harvest.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk; up to 20% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: The gummy stem blight fungus is both seed- and soil-borne. The pathogen may be carried in or on infected seed. In the absence of host plants, the fungus can overwinter for a year and a half or more on infected crop residue. Infection occurs when temperatures are warm and moisture is available. Wounding, insect damage, and powdery mildew infection predispose plants to infection with gummy stem blight.
Timing of Control: Mid-July through season.
Yield Losses: Can be up to 100% in severely affected areas.
Cultural Control Practices: Two year crop rotation away from cucurbits. Use disease-free seed treated with fungicide. Avoid injury to the fruit at harvest.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Curing to heal rind injuries and reduce risk of further injury. Destroy crop debris after harvest to remove this source of inoculum.
Other Issues: Research on gummy stem blight and other foliar diseases of cucurbits is ongoing in NY (Zitter). This includes pathogen variability, fungicide resistance, and genetic resistance.
Chemical Controls: See table in "Powdery Mildew" section, above, for pesticide use patterns of labeled fungicides. In addition, seed treatment with thiram (see "Fusarium Crown and Fruit Rot" section, below) provides some protection against the seedborne phase of this disease.
Use in IPM Management: Cornell IPM recommendations call for the use of fungicides on a 7-14 day schedule beginning when powdery mildew or gummy stem blight is first found in the field. Some (azoxystrobin, benomyl, and chlorothalonil) fungicides generally control both diseases, and powdery mildew infection can increase the severity of gummy stem blight infections.
Use in Resistance Management: Gummy stem blight isolates from NY have been identified as being resistant to both benomyl and thiophanate-methyl, and it is recommended to use these products in combination with a protectant fungicide (chlorothalonil). Resistance is more widespread for thiophanate-methyl.
Alternatives: Recent registration of azoxystrobin by the EPA provides a very useful tool in controlling this disease. Trifloxystrobin (Flint), a new fungicide from Novartis, may also be an effective alternative.
Frequency of Occurrence: Can be found most years in at least some part of the state.
Damage Caused: All aboveground plant parts can be affected. Initial symptoms are sudden, permanent wilt of infected plants (crown blight phase). Fruits that do develop are undersized and often rot before harvest. A yeast-like fungal growth appears on fruit.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk; 10-20% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: The fungus is soil-borne and water-borne, has a number of hosts, and can remain in the soil for years. It appears most frequently on sandy soils with low organic matter.
Timing of Control: Mid-July through harvest.
Yield Losses: Can be up to 100% in severely affected fields.
Cultural Control Practices: No resistant varieties are available. Use a minimum of three year rotation with crops other than peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, and cucurbits. Select well-drained fields. Movement of the fungus in irrigation water, flood water, and in soil can be important means of spread between fields.
Regional Differences: Most severe in Long Island and other eastern NY counties. Present but sporadic in central and western counties.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: None.
Chemical Controls: No effective fungicides are registered for use in pumpkins. Fosetyl-Al (Aliette) is registered for use but is not generally effective.
Frequency of Occurrence: Sporadic but can spread quickly.
Damage Caused: This fungus causes heavy blighting of the leaves. Infection that is not quickly treated results in defoliation and poor fruit development.
% Acres Affected: 75% at risk; up to 15% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: Like powdery mildew, the causal fungus overwinters in areas with mild winters and is carried by wind to other areas. Periods of moist weather favor disease development.
Timing of Control: Mid-July to end of season.
Yield Losses: Up to 75% in severely affected areas.
Cultural Control Practices: None.
Regional Differences: This disease is much more prevalent in eastern growing areas of the state, and is less common in central and western counties.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: None.
Other Issues: None.
Chemical Controls/Use in IPM Programs: See "Powdery Mildew" section, above, for pesticide use information. Due to the rapid spread of this disease, systemic materials are needed for control. Mefenoxam is an important tool for controlling this disease, and the recent registration of azoxystrobin provides another effective material.
Use in Resistance Management: None reported. Resistance is a concern with mefenoxam products (single site of activity) so they should be alternated with fosetyl-Al.
Alternatives: Trifloxystrobin (Flint), a new fungicide from Novartis, may be an effective alternative. While infrequently used in NY, fosetyl-Al (Aliette), can be used for control of downy mildew.
Frequency of Occurrence: Can be found in most growing areas in most years.
Damage Caused: The fungus can attack any aboveground portion of the plant, including leaves, petioles, stems and fruits. The disease is most damaging because of the unsightly scab lesions that develop on fruit, usually making them unmarketable.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk of infection. Typically 10-50% of acreage actually affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: The fungus causing scab overwinters mainly in squash and pumpkin vines, but may also be seedborne. Spores are produced in the spring and are readily spread.
Timing of Control: when vines begin to run (mid-season).
Yield Losses: up to 50% in cases of severe infection.
Cultural Control Practices: Minimum two year rotation away from cucurbits. Select sites with good drainage. Plant only disease-free seed, and treat with a fungicide to control seed decay and damping-off.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: None.
Chemical Controls: See "Powdery Mildew" section, above.
Frequency of Occurrence: Can be found in most growing areas in most years.
Damage Caused: Lesions form on leaves and fruit, causing foliar blighting as well as cosmetic damage to fruit. Fruit show raised, white, rash-like spots on the surface.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk of infection; typically 10-50% of acres actually affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: The fungus overwinters in NY on infected crop debris. In spring, spores are dispersed via splashing or wind-borne rain.
Timing of Control: June through harvest
Yield Losses: up to 50% in severely infected fields
Cultural Control Practices: Minimum two year rotation out of all cucurbits. No resistant varieties are available.
Regional Differences: Has not yet been recorded southeastern portions of the state (lower Hudson Valley, Orange County, and Long Island).
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Crop debris should be destroyed as soon as possible to remove this source of disease for other plantings.
Chemical Controls: See "Powdery Mildew" section, above.
Frequency of Occurrence: Can be found most years in at least some part of the state.
Damage Caused: Symptoms on leaves begin as watersoaked spots. These become circular, tan areas which expand into characteristic brown spots with light centers. Infected petioles can become girdled. Infected fruit develop circular, sunken, watersoaked areas, which can ooze under humid conditions.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk of infection; up to 5% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: The fungus survives from one season to the next on infected plant tissue and may survive up to two years in the absence of a host. Spread of the disease can occur by splashing rain, irrigation water, insects, workers, or equipment. Disease development is favored by warm, humid weather. The fungus can be seedborne as well.
Timing of Control: During warm, moist seasons.
Yield Losses: Can be up to 50% in severely affected fields.
Cultural Control Practices: Use a minimum of two year rotation with unrelated crops. Use commercially-produced, disease-free seed.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Crop debris should be destroyed as soon as possible to remove this source of disease for other plantings and to initiate decomposition.
Chemical Controls: See "Powdery Mildew" section, above.
Frequency of Occurrence: Sporadic, but increasing in occurrence
Damage Caused: This bacterium is xylem-limited but becomes systemic in these tissues throughout the plant. Wilting of the plant is the general symptom, since bacterial multiplication causes plugging of the xylem elements. Symptoms also consist of interveinal chlorosis and marginal necrosis of the leaves, with the leaves eventually becoming totally brown (frosted) and standing upright. Internodes may be stunted and leaves take on a "tufted" appearance, because they are underdeveloped. Pumpkin plants may survive initial infection, but are stunted and produce underdeveloped and unmarketable fruit.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk; up to 10% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: Survives in the body of the adult cucumber beetle (primarily the striped). Perennial weeds apparently do not serve as host reservoirs of the bacterium. Therefore beetle control is the only current method of control. The bacterium is not seedborne.
Timing of Control: Early (emergence) to midseason.
Yield Losses: Up to 100% in severely affected fields.
Cultural Control Practices: See comments under Cucumber beetles.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: Greenhouse studies at Cornell (Zitter) established the efficacy of Messenger (Eden Bioscience product), which has systemic acquired resistance properties, as a deterrent to beetle feeding and injury. Additional tests are under way to determine if Messenger (also called harpin, under license from Cornell) could have a direct effect on the bacterium. Registration of this product by EPA is pending.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: See "Cucumber Beetle" section above.
Chemical Controls: See "Cucumber Beetle" section above. Disease control is obtained through controlling the insect vector. No pesticides are effective in controlling the disease directly.
Frequency of Occurrence: Can be found in most growing areas in most years.
Damage Caused: This bacteria becomes systemic, with symptoms showing on leaves and fruit. Leaf lesions start as water soaked areas and then appear as necrotic spots. The fruit usually develop necrotic lesions, which progress to cause collapse and rotting fruit.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk; up to 5% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: Important as a seedborne bacterium. May also survive on crop debris.
Timing of Control: Early to midseason as immature fruit appear and develop.
Yield Losses: Up to 100% in severely affected fields.
Cultural Control Practices: Use commercially-produced, disease-free seed.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: A field test of the efficacy of Actigard (Novartis product) which has systemic acquired resistance properties, established a good level of control. Additional tests are planned with Actigard and Messenger (Eden Bioscience, under license from Cornell). Registration of these products by EPA is pending.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Destroy all crop debris to remove this source of the disease.
Chemical Controls: Copper compounds are the only fungicides with any efficacy. See "Powdery Mildew" section, above.
Frequency of Occurrence: Sporadic
Damage Caused: Leaf lesions caused by this disease turn necrotic, and the centers fall out, leaving a tattered appearance. Infections of stems, petioles and fruits develop watersoaded spots which enlarge and become covered with a white crust. Infection of young fruit may result in curved or deformed fruit later. Secondary soft rots usually develop on infected fruit.
% Acres Affected: 50% at risk of infection; typically between 1-3% of acreage affected in any given year.
Pest Life Cycles: This bacterial pathogen survives on crop debris and is also seed-borne.
Timing of Control: At planting.
Yield Losses: Up to 50% in severely affected fields. More typical losses are 1-10%.
Cultural Control Practices: Rotate away from cucurbits for at least two years. Avoid planting next to other cucurbits.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Crop debris should be destroyed after harvest.
Chemical Controls: See "Powdery Mildew" section, above.
Frequency of Occurrence: Sporadic
Damage Caused: Rapid fruit decay characterized by a watery, odorless rot and an abundance of white, cottony mold. Black pea-sized sclerotia can be found embedded in the cottony mycelia.
% Acres Affected: 50% at risk of infection; typically less than 3% of acreage affected in any given year.
Pest Life Cycles: This soil borne fungus survives on crop debris and has a very wide host range.
Timing of Control: At planting.
Yield Losses: Up to 50% in severely affected fields. More typical losses are 1-10%.
Cultural Control Practices: Rotate away from cucurbits and other crops susceptible to white mold (e.g. beans and cabbage). Avoid dense plantings and control weeds.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Handle fruits carefully to minimize wounding.
Chemical Controls: No pesticides are available for control.
Frequency of Occurrence: Annually
Damage Caused: Pumpkins and squash are particularly susceptible to Fusarium crown and fruit rot. Affected plants exhibit crown necrosis (cortical rot of the hypocotyl region) and often visible fungal growth. Plants are stunted and eventually wilt. Pumpkin fruit show a firm, dry rot on the rind in contact with the soil.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk; up to 20% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: This disease is seed- and soilborne and may survive on hosts other than cucurbits.
Timing of Control: Midseason to harvest.
Yield Losses: Up to 30% in severely affected areas.
Cultural Control Practices: Rotation away from cucurbits for a minimum of three years. Movement of the fungus in soil on equipment from infested fields can be an important means of spread between fields. Use commercially-produced, disease-free seed. Provide adequate soil moisture.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: None.
Fungicides for Soil-Borne Diseases:
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days |
hours |
| thiram1
(Thiram) |
60-70 | commercial
seed treatment |
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before planting |
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| captan2
(Captan) |
50-60 | commercial
seed treatment or planter-box |
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before planting |
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| mefenoxam3
(Ridomil Gold) |
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soil | 1-2 pts product/acre | at planting |
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1. For Fusarium and other soil-borne diseases.
2. Not effective against Fusarium.
3. For damping-off diseases.
Use in IPM Programs: Use of commercially treated seed is recommended.
Use in Resistance Management: None reported.
Frequency of Occurrence: Annually.
Damage Caused: This fungus attacks leaves, beginning as small lesions and progressing into large necrotic areas. Infected plants may become defoliated, and are more susceptible to heat and wind damage. Fruit infection results in surface lesions which render fruit unmarketable. Infected fruit often rot after harvest.
% Acres Affected: 100% at risk; up to 10% affected per year.
Pest Life Cycles: The fungus survives in crop debris or on weeds and other crops. Wind carries fungal spores from one area to another. The disease is favored by warm temperatures and moisture from dews, rains or overhead irrigation.
Timing of Control: Midseason to harvest.
Yield Losses: Usually minimal, since fungicides used for powdery mildew and other diseases keep it under control.
Cultural Control Practices: Rotation away from cucurbits for a minimum of two years. Schedule overhead irrigation to allow sufficient drying of foliage prior to extended evening wet periods.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: No resistant varieties are available.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Crop debris should be destroyed to remove this inoculum source.
Chemical Controls: See "Powdery Mildew" section above for pesticide use information.
Many seedborne and soilborne fungi can cause early seedling death. This can occur early in the season as damping-off or later as stem cankers. Seed treatments (see "Fusarium Crown and Fruit Rot" section) are the most cost-effective method of control. Cultural practices that also aid in disease management include selecting well-drained fields, and avoiding planting into cool wet soils.
A number of viruses infect pumpkins, including cucumber mosaic virus, watermelon mosaic virus, papaya ringspot virus, and zucchini yellow mosaic virus. All are transmitted by aphids in a nonpersistent manner. (Squash mosaic virus is beetle-transmitted, seedborne, and is principally a problem for melon and some squash varieties). These viruses cause mosaic, distorted growth, stunting, distortions in leaf coloration, and small, misshapen and poorly-colored pumpkin fruit. No pesticides are available to control viruses; controlling the aphid vectors with insecticides is usually ineffective for controlling virus spread. Growers rely on the following cultural control practices: choosing resistant varieties when possible, choosing varieties that don't show color breaking on the fruit, isolating late plantings from early plantings, use of specialized reflective mulches, weed control, and the use of row covers. These have limited value because of the spreading nature of most pumpkin vines.
Frequency of Occurrence: Annually.
Damage Caused: Reduced yields from weed competition, and loss of efficiency in harvesting. Weeds can interfere with pesticide applications, and heavy weed growth can increase humidity levels in the crop canopy, thus leading to greater disease pressures. Growers marketing pumpkins through pick-your-own operations need relatively clean fields for customers to travel through.
% Acres Affected: 100%
Pest Life Cycles: Annual and perennial weeds such as ragweed, lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, nightshade species, galinsoga, yellow nutsedge, annual and perennial grasses, mustards, and others, are a problem throughout the growing season.
Timing of Control: Preplant, preemergence, and postemergence.
Yield Losses: As high as 100% in severely infested fields.
Regional Differences: None.
Cultural Control Practices: Due to very few herbicides being registered on pumpkins, and their narrow weed control spectra, cultivation is necessary for pumpkin production in NY. Some producers use the "stale seedbed" technique, where weeds are controlled by a broad-spectrum herbicide and then the field is planted with a minimum of soil disturbance. The use of herbicide-killed rye mulches for weed control has been adopted by some producers.
Regional Differences: None.
Biological Control Practices: None.
Post-Harvest Control Practices: Cultivation. Post-harvest application of herbicides to control perennial weeds.
Chemical Controls:
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|
lbs ai/acre |
|
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days |
hours |
| clomazone
(Command) |
|
soil incorporated |
|
preplant |
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|
|
| paraquat
(Gramoxone) |
|
soil surface |
|
preplant |
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|
|
| bensulide
(Prefar) |
|
soil surface or incorporated |
|
preplant or preemerge |
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|
|
| ethalfluralin
(Curbit) |
|
soil surface |
|
preemerge or banded postemerge |
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| sethoxydim
(Poast) |
|
soil surface |
|
postemerge |
|
|
|
| glyphosate
(Roundup) |
|
soil surface |
|
preplant |
|
|
|
Efficacy Issues: Clomazone and bensulide are effective on annual grasses and some broadleaves. Ethalfluralin is effective on annual grasses. Glyphosate and paraquat are broad spectrum, and are used with the stale seedbed technique. Clomazone is difficult to use, may cause crop injury, and can cause very noticable drift problems. Although it is effective, it is not used extensively because of these difficulties. The industry is in great need of more weed control options for this crop of increasing economic importance.
Alternatives: Metolachlor (Dual Magnum) and imazethapyr (Pursuit) may be potential alternatives, but trials have yet to be conducted.
Dr. Tom Zitter
Dept. Plant Pathology
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-255-7857
taz1@cornell.eduDr. Margaret McGrath
Long Island Horticulture Research Laboratory
Riverhead, NY
516-727-3595
mtm3@cornell.eduCarol MacNeil
Cornell Cooperative Extension
480 N. Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
716-394-3977
crm6@cornell.eduDr. Mike Orfanedes
Extension Specialist
Cornell Cooperative Extension
21 South Grove St. Suite 240
East Aurora, NY 14052
716-652-5400 x139
mso3@cornell.eduDr. Robin Bellinder
Dept. Fruit and Vegetable Sciences
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-7890
rrb3@cornell.eduDr. Michael Hoffmann
Dept. Entomology
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-1327
mph3@cornell.eduDale Moyer
Extension Educator
Suffolk County CCE
246 Griffing Ave
Riverhead, NY 11901
516-727-7850
ddm4@cornell.eduAbby Seaman
Extension IPM Specialist
NYS IPM Program
NYSAES
Geneva, NY 14456
ajs32@cornell.edu
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For more information relative to pesticides and their use in New York State, please contact the PMEP staff at:
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