Knowledgebase
Squash #764773
Asked July 30, 2021, 11:01 AM EDT
Why are my squash plants dyeing off after the first picking? thank you
Barry County Michigan
Expert Response
Could you please attach a couple pictures of the problem?
One of a whole plant, and one showing a close up of a leaf and or stem that is dying?
( click on the “choose them” below the response box to attach pictures)
This will help our vegetables expert assist you. Thank you.
Here are the pictures of the squash. We’re also having some problems with some of our tomato plants, could you look at those too? Thank you!
Here are the pictures of the tomatoes
Thank you for your question Ruth! Extended periods of warm, wet/humid conditions create the perfect environment for the spread of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens in the garden. The tomatoes are displaying symptoms associated with Septoria leaf spot Septoria Leaf Spot of Tomato (missouribotanicalgarden.org) and squash plants most likely have downy mildew.
Microsoft PowerPoint - D_HomeGardenCucurbit_DM_8-1-2011 [Compatibility Mode] (msu.edu)
Diseases and Insects in Michigan Cucurbits and their Management (E3276) - MSU Extension
Michigan Fresh: Tomato Diseases in the Home Garden (E3170) - MSU Extension
Most of these pathogens are transmitted from the soil, blown in by wind, can be on weeds surrounding your garden, or introduced by an insect.
For the remainder of this season remove all infected leaves from the plants and throw them out in the trash. DO NOT compost any of these. Disinfect pruning equipment with a 10% bleach solution so as not to transmit disease. Chemical fungicides containing chlorothalonil are best applied every 7-10 days depending upon rainfall. Use drip irrigation if possible to keep soil from splashing onto the leaves and don't water at night.
To prepare for next year: 1)Remove diseased plants at the end of the season and throw them into the trash! Clean any garden cages or tools with a 10% bleach solution before storing them for the winter 2) Rotate crops - do not plant the same plants in the same place next year. (Tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and potatoes are in the same family. Squash are in the cucurbit family that also has cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins.) For example try some cole crops or beans. 3) Choose disease resistant varieties of squash and tomatoes 4) Plant with good air circulation in mind - stake or trellis plants to keep off the ground. 5) Mulch with grass clippings, straw, even newspaper to keep soil from splashing onto leaves under wet conditions. 6) Water via a drip irrigation (not overhead) for the same reasons.