What Is Wrong With The Leaves Of My Gourds?

Are there any small, yellow-brown spots with a yellow or green halo which first appear on the oldest leaves?

Do the leaves have any small circular or irregularly shaped dry spots that are gray to straw in color?

Are there any angular or circular green to gray spots with brown borders on leaves?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are there any angular brown lesions on leaves confined by small veins, holes in leaves may be present due to a dried out lesions?

Are there any small, angular, gray-brown spots with defined red-brown margins on leaves?

Are there any small water-soaked lesions on leaves that expand between leaf veins and become angular in shape?

Are there any small translucent spots on leaves, spots later turn black?

Alternaria leaf blight is caused by a fungus that spreads primarily by planting an infected seed. Plant only pathogen-free seed from a reputable nursery. Apply copper-based foliar fungicide if the disease emerges. Rotate crops to non-umbelliferous varieties for 2-4 years.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Anthracnose. Keep plants dry when watering to prevent spread. Spray plants with copper when the first fruit develops if you have had problems in the past.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Cercospora leaf spot. This fungal disease only occurs in very warm climates. Spots develop a “frog-eye” appearance with light centers and dark edges. Spray plants with copper as soon as symptoms appear to prevent further symptom development.

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed.

Scab is a fungal disease favored by wet weather and temperatures below 70°F. Rotate gourd with non-susceptible crops for at least 2 years. Plant only in well-draining soils. Spray plants with appropriate protective fungicides.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease - Septoria leaf spot. This disease overwinter on old leaf litter, so rake up the leaves or bury them under a thick mulch in autumn. Copper sprays will help in controlling the spread. If defoliation occurs late in the season, it does plant little harm.

Angular leaf spot is a bacterial disease that spreads through infected seed, splashing rain, insects, and movement of people between plants. Rotate gourd with non-susceptible crops for at least 2 years. Plant only in well-draining soils. Spray plants with protective copper spray.

Bacterial leaf spot causes circular translucent spots scattered over the leaf surface. These spots turn brownish-black and may spread to form large patches of dead tissue. To prevent the spread of this disease, avoid working around wet plants. Remove and destroy affected parts. Spray Bordeaux mix on remaining plants.

If the leaves are mottled and covered in a distinctive mosaic pattern, your gourd suffered from the mosaic virus. The gourd is susceptible to cucumber mosaic virus, squash mosaic virus, and watermelon mosaic virus. There is no treatment for these diseases. Remove and destroy your plants. Control aphids to prevent infection.