Can Cucumbers Get Blossom-end Rot?
Blossom-end rot, a disease caused by insufficient calcium, affects tomato, pepper, eggplant, squash, watermelon and apple, according to the University of Manitoba. While not susceptible to blossom-end rot, cucumbers can suffer from several fungal diseases, particularly in humid or wet seasons. Does this Spark an idea?
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Blossom-end Rot
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Blossom-end rot is a fungal disease most commonly seen in tomatoes and peppers and not cucumbers. The disease can be triggered by a calcium deficiency or irregular water supply or temperatures and sometimes both. Blossom-end rot can be prevented by the application of a balanced fertilizer and a regular watering regime.
Fungal Diseases Affecting Cucumbers
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Gray mold rot and sclerotinia are some of the fungal diseases that can affect the blossom end of most curcubits, including cucumbers, and could possibly be confused with blossom-end rot, given that it can occur in the same location as well as the leaves and stems. These fungal diseases are most likely to occur under wet or humid conditions.
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Curing Gray Rot and Sclerotinia
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Gray mold rot, or botrytis cinerea, and sclerotinia can be cured with appropriate fungicides. To prevent or limit the spread of fungal diseases on cucumbers, remove the parts which are affected and water in the morning so that the plants can dry. Dry leaves, flowers, stems and fruit are less likely to attract molds or fungus of any sort.
General Advice on Growing Cucumbers
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To avoid attack by molds, fungus and other disease, plant cucumbers with plenty of space to allow for a good flow of air. Do not feed with high-nitrogen fertilizer and water in the mornings so that the sun can burn off excess moisture, discouraging the growth of molds.
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References
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