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almax881

Why are my cucumbers dying? (with photos)

almax881
15 years ago

I am growing SpaceMaster, Bush Champion, and Picklebush cucumbers in an Earthbox. After doing very well initially, the leaves seem to be dying off and the cucumbers are curved.

We have been having hot weather for a while now (high 90s). Could this be the problem?

ORIGINAL CUCUMBERS

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DYING CUCUMBERS

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Comments (14)

  • jean001
    15 years ago

    Very serious case of powdery mildew. It looks like that plant is too far gone to ever do well.

  • alfie_md6
    15 years ago

    Powdery mildew in summer in Louisiana? I think it's bacterial wilt.

    Here is a link that might be useful: bacterial wilt

  • tcstoehr
    15 years ago

    Dig up the roots of one of them. You may find something has been attacking the roots or lower stem. This would weaken the plant enough for molds and mildews to take over. I'd wager you would find an anemic root system on these dying plants.

  • opal52
    15 years ago

    They are planted in containers if I'm seeing correctly. Hot weather in direct sun, maybe the roots are cooking?? One of the containers looks kinda small, and maybe not getting adequate water? If they are in the EB's in the photo, water should not be an issue but excessive heat to the plants roots could be.

  • jean001
    15 years ago

    It was said: "Powdery mildew in summer in Louisiana? I think it's bacterial wilt."

    Because I don't know anything about bacterial wilt, I'll give you that possibility.

    But please look at the leaves, they are coated with PM.

    Beyond that, I also saw they are in containers. And I think those comments (above) are right on.

    But since the plant is essentially gone, yes, I would remove it (not pull it) and look at the roots. The answer may well be there.

  • almax881
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    Thanks for the replies.

    I'll remove a plant and see what's going on at the root level. I'll report back to what I find.

    The cucumber plants are all in an Earthbox. (There are six plants. EB recommends only four, but I figured since these were the bush variety, I could fit more in there).

    Oh, and I apologize for the enormous pictures. I thought they would be much smaller than that.

    I'll report back.
    Thanks for the help.

  • almax881
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    I dug up a cucumber. I didn't notice anything "off" with the roots. If it was powdery mildew, would something be in the roots?

    I can't remember seeing any bugs near the plants. However, it is quite possible.

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    Stem shot. I didn't notice any sticky stuff, which is supposed to be an indictator of bacterial wilt.
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  • jimster
    15 years ago

    It sure looks like powdery mildew on those leaves, and lots of it.

    Jim

  • eplina
    15 years ago

    cucumber beetles

  • almax881
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    I've looked up cucumber beetles. And Yep, that is most likely the culprit cause I have definitely seem them around.

    Now I know how to control things next year.

    Thanks for the help everyone.

  • tobaccodog
    15 years ago

    It's also possible you are having a severe case of mosaic virus but if is the culprit you should be having problems with tomatoes and peppers also . From looking at your photo's that pot your growing in is way to small and those plants have gotten a lot of stress on them. I suggest planting em over you still have pleanty of time. Just plant them elseware and in a differnt larger disinfected container

  • cjs_garden
    15 years ago

    almax, My cucumbers look just like yours!! Did you ever find out for sure what it was, and how can I prevent this next time? Thanks!

  • anonymous_yahoo_com
    13 years ago

    OMG people. Downy mildew. Looks like a pretty classic case. Powdery mildew there too, but I don't think it's what killed 'em