Bulletin 208, Cucumber Diseases in Florida


Fig. 15. Infection of cucumbers caused by the angular leaf spot organism.

brownish path leads directly into the interior until it comes in
contact with the vascular tissues. Once in these tissues the decay
develops lengthwise of the fruit, entering the three placentas and
causing the tissue to break down and result in a soft mushy mass.
(Fig. 16.) It is the fruit infection that causes the largest amount
of loss in Florida.
 Control: It has been found that practically all commercial
varieties of cucumbers are subject to the disease, and consequent-
ly the possibility of securing resistant plants of the right market-
able qualities would require considerable time if it were possible
at all.
 Spraying with Bordeaux, 4-4-50, or dusting with copper-lime
dust (80-20 formula) is of considerable importance in controlling
the disease after it makes its appearance in the field. The matter
of fungicides is fully discussed under the disease known as downy
mildew. Angular leaf spot can be controlled by the same applica-
tion of spray or dust used to control the mildew. (See page 8.)
 The most effective method, however, of combating the disease
is by the treatment, or disinfection, of the seed. Tie the seed