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Cottony leak (Pythium spp.) affects most cucurbits but is most common on cucumber and squash. The disease generally appears first on portions of fruit in contact with soil. Small, water-soaked spots expand rapidly until large portions of the fruit are necrotic and soft. Profuse, white fungal growth resembling tufts of cotton can be found on rotted areas when humidity is high. 

Cottony leak on cucumber.

(Photo: Cheryl Kaiser, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Manage excess soil moisture (drainage, irrigation)
• Use plastic mulch
• Fungicides may provide some disease suppression

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