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Damping-off (Pythium spp., Phytophthora spp.) can affect all cucurbits. It is characterized by a soft rot of seeds before germination or death of seedlings pre- and post-emergence. On emerged plants, a soft and water-soaked necrosis will occur just above the soil line and extends to roots belowground. Seedlings wilt rapidly and die. 

Damping-off.

(Photo: Michelle Grabowski, University of Minnesota Extension-Horticulture)

Management:

• Use fungicide-treated seed.
• Plant into warm soils (greater than 65°F).
• Apply fungicides before or at planting.
• Manage excess soil moisture (drainage, irrigation).

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