Much of the disease risk in pumpkins can be mitigated by integrating cultural control tactics, sanitation and the use of resistant varieties into your production program. In pumpkins – and cucumbers, squash, melons, and ornamental gourds – this disease is primarily caused by Podosphaera xanthii (formerly known as Sphaerotheca fulginea). The purpose of this publication is to aid in the identification of important biotic diseasesof squash and pumpkin in Oklahoma and provide general guidelines for their management. Bacterial diseases were present in pumpkin fields in the 2014 growing season. In Michigan, the most common bacterial disease in pumpkins is angular leaf spot. Learn how to grow pumpkins, including varieties made for cooking, fall carving, decoration, and more. Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is a warm-season vegetable that can be grown throughout much of the United States. Pumpkin flesh, leaves, and flowers can be cooked and eaten in a variety of dishes. The seeds are also edible and are commonly roasted and eaten as a snack. Figure 1. PumpkinDisease Identification Flow Chart.Disease Management The best way to mitigate virus pressure in pumpkin fields is to plant resistant cultivars. It is a personal choice if you use sprays to control disease. Applying a fungicide before it becomes apparent may prevent it totally. If your pumpkin is showing signs of disease already... Bacterial DiseasesofPumpkins.Processing pumpkins are more susceptible to downy mildew than jack-o-lantern pumpkins.
