Choanephora Fruit Rot of Cucurbit Crops
Choanephora fruit rot (Choanephora cucurbitarum) is most common on summer squashes, but may occur on other cucurbits. Senescing flowers are often infected first, serving as a bridge for the fungus to colonize fruit. Fruit Symptoms develop from the blossom end as a soft, wet rot. Profuse, fuzzy growth increases under wet conditions, eventually forming large masses of black spores that resemble a pincushion.
Choanephora on yellow squash.
(Photo: John Hartman, University of Kentucky)
Choanephora on yellow squash.
(Photo: Kenny Seebold, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Promptly remove and destroy diseased plant material during the growing season.
- Use physical barriers (mulches) to prevent fruit from contacting soil.
- Space plants for air circulation and rapid drying.
- Manage excess moisture (drainage, irrigation).
- Prevent wounds.
- Apply fungicides during prolonged wet periods.
- Avoid storing damaged and diseased fruit.
