Not my experience, but apparently "Four or five plants can produce 100 pickling cucumbers in a season."
Showing posts with label Cucumber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cucumber. Show all posts
Heat tolerant cucumbers
Here are a few examples of heat tolerant cucumbers:
- Summer Dance Hybrid. Japanese burpless variety with high resistance to Downy and Powdery mildew. ‘Summer Dance’ will delight you with sweet, melodious flavor. Glossy, deep-green 9” fruits are packed with sparkling refreshment. Japanese burpless variety grows like crazy, sending out numerous lateral vines for high yields. High resistance to Downy mildew and Powdery mildew; tolerant to heat stress. http://bit.ly/1BZ9UVP and https://jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=02159
- Marketer Cucumber. This 1943 All-America selection is still a winner in today's gardens! A great slicer for salads and makes delicious pickle chips. Slender, dark green, 8 to 9 inch fruits have sweet, mild flavor. Vigorous, heat resistant plants are very productive with a long harvest season. White spined. Source: https://jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=02132
- Pick A Bushel Hybrid Cucumber. Plant your own pickle factories. Be prepared to be pick lots of cukes from these compact plants. The medium green, white-spined fruits are sweet, firm and crisp, ready to pick only 50 days from sowing at 3 inch gherkin size for great pickles or left to grow to 6 inch length for slicing fresh in salads. The semi-bush vines grow only 24 inches long, so they are well-suited for growing in patio containers as well as the garden. Plants have excellent heat tolerance and disease resistances to CMV, Scab and MMV. Source: https://jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=02039
- Eureka cucumber is not just tolerant but resistant to multiple diseases typically affecting cucumbers in the tropics.
- Summer Dance Hybrid. Japanese burpless variety with high resistance to Downy and Powdery mildew. ‘Summer Dance’ will delight you with sweet, melodious flavor. Glossy, deep-green 9” fruits are packed with sparkling refreshment. Japanese burpless variety grows like crazy, sending out numerous lateral vines for high yields. High resistance to Downy mildew and Powdery mildew; tolerant to heat stress. http://bit.ly/1BZ9UVP and https://jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=02159
- Marketer Cucumber. This 1943 All-America selection is still a winner in today's gardens! A great slicer for salads and makes delicious pickle chips. Slender, dark green, 8 to 9 inch fruits have sweet, mild flavor. Vigorous, heat resistant plants are very productive with a long harvest season. White spined. Source: https://jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=02132
- Pick A Bushel Hybrid Cucumber. Plant your own pickle factories. Be prepared to be pick lots of cukes from these compact plants. The medium green, white-spined fruits are sweet, firm and crisp, ready to pick only 50 days from sowing at 3 inch gherkin size for great pickles or left to grow to 6 inch length for slicing fresh in salads. The semi-bush vines grow only 24 inches long, so they are well-suited for growing in patio containers as well as the garden. Plants have excellent heat tolerance and disease resistances to CMV, Scab and MMV. Source: https://jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=02039
- Eureka cucumber is not just tolerant but resistant to multiple diseases typically affecting cucumbers in the tropics.
Cucumber Plant Maintenance
Cucumber Plant Maintenance: Nutrients, Disease and Pests - The Rusted Garden 2013 - YouTube http://buff.ly/1jhtSmo
Eureka cucumber is not just tolerant but resistant to multiple diseases typically affecting cucumbers in the tropics.
Eureka cucumber is not just tolerant but resistant to multiple diseases typically affecting cucumbers in the tropics.
Best twine for your garden: Sisal
Sisal ropes are inexpensive ($4 for 500 ft), strong and natural (made of plant fiber).
They are available at hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards) and Amazon.
I use them for all sorts of trellising and the Florida weave.
Related:
Blue Hawk 525-ft Twisted Sisal Rope at Lowes.com http://low.es/13Ectxr
Crown Bolt #21 x 525 ft. Natural Sisal Bundling Twine-65525 at The Home Depot http://thd.co/13Ecqlh
They are available at hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards) and Amazon.
I use them for all sorts of trellising and the Florida weave.
Related:
Blue Hawk 525-ft Twisted Sisal Rope at Lowes.com http://low.es/13Ectxr
Crown Bolt #21 x 525 ft. Natural Sisal Bundling Twine-65525 at The Home Depot http://thd.co/13Ecqlh
Bush Cucumbers
These cucumber plants bear fruit earlier than vining types, and they are easy to care for and harvest into the fall season. Perfect for containers.
I have grown Bush Champion and Spacemaster (both are available at Home Depot as Burpee seeds).
Here is the list of 4 Bush Cucumbers from Burpee:
http://www.burpee.com/vegetables/cucumbers/bush-cucumbers/
Bush Champion
Spacemaster
Picklebush
Salad Bush
Bush Champion
You won't believe the large number of crisp, bright green slicers you'll get. This is a Customer Favorite. No room for vines? Bush types take one-third the space, so they're great for containers and raised beds. Bush Champion's huge 8 to 12" cukes make this a favorite mini. You won't believe the large number of crisp, bright green slicers you'll get from the pint-sized plants. Mosaic resistant and productive. Proven tops for productivity, flavor and wide adaptability.
Height: 6-8 inches
Spread: 24 inches
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Fruit Size: 8-12 inches
User comments from Burpee.com: "the cukes are coming out as one foot long each, AND maybe 15 to 20 per plant. I couldn't be more happy"
Spacemaster
Great for small areas. This compact cucumber is ideal for containers or hanging baskets. Its short, hardy vines produce slender, dark green fruits 7 ½" long. It's prolific. Resistant to Cucumber mosaic virus and scab.
Height: 6-8 inches
Spread: 26 inches
Days to Maturity: 56 days
Fruit Size: 8 inches
Picklebush
Customer Favorite. Burpee bred Picklebush has unbelievably compact vines that get only 2' long. White-spined fruits have classic pickle look, deep green with paler stripes. Up to 4½" long, 1½" across at maturity but use them at any size. Very productive and tolerant to powdery mildew and Cucumber mosaic virus.
Height: 6-8 inches
Spread: 24 inches
Days to Maturity: 52 days
Fruit Size: 4 inches
Salad Bush Hybrid
Salad Bush Hybrid is an All-America Selections winner and yields full-sized, full-flavored 8" slicers on tiny plants. High disease resistance means high yield and a longer season.
Height: 6-8 inches
Spread: 26 inches
Days to Maturity: 57 days
Fruit Size: 8 inches
I have grown Bush Champion and Spacemaster (both are available at Home Depot as Burpee seeds).
Here is the list of 4 Bush Cucumbers from Burpee:
http://www.burpee.com/vegetables/cucumbers/bush-cucumbers/
Bush Champion
Spacemaster
Picklebush
Salad Bush
Bush Champion
You won't believe the large number of crisp, bright green slicers you'll get. This is a Customer Favorite. No room for vines? Bush types take one-third the space, so they're great for containers and raised beds. Bush Champion's huge 8 to 12" cukes make this a favorite mini. You won't believe the large number of crisp, bright green slicers you'll get from the pint-sized plants. Mosaic resistant and productive. Proven tops for productivity, flavor and wide adaptability.
Height: 6-8 inches
Spread: 24 inches
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Fruit Size: 8-12 inches
User comments from Burpee.com: "the cukes are coming out as one foot long each, AND maybe 15 to 20 per plant. I couldn't be more happy"
Spacemaster
Great for small areas. This compact cucumber is ideal for containers or hanging baskets. Its short, hardy vines produce slender, dark green fruits 7 ½" long. It's prolific. Resistant to Cucumber mosaic virus and scab.
Height: 6-8 inches
Spread: 26 inches
Days to Maturity: 56 days
Fruit Size: 8 inches
Picklebush
Customer Favorite. Burpee bred Picklebush has unbelievably compact vines that get only 2' long. White-spined fruits have classic pickle look, deep green with paler stripes. Up to 4½" long, 1½" across at maturity but use them at any size. Very productive and tolerant to powdery mildew and Cucumber mosaic virus.
Height: 6-8 inches
Spread: 24 inches
Days to Maturity: 52 days
Fruit Size: 4 inches
Salad Bush Hybrid
Salad Bush Hybrid is an All-America Selections winner and yields full-sized, full-flavored 8" slicers on tiny plants. High disease resistance means high yield and a longer season.
Height: 6-8 inches
Spread: 26 inches
Days to Maturity: 57 days
Fruit Size: 8 inches
How to Grow Cucumbers in Containers
Cucumbers are Warm Season Vine Vegetables (Cucumis sativus from the Cucurbitaceae Family). Not native to North America - Probably originated in India before spreading to Africa and Southeast Asia.
Whether for pickling or slicing, cucumbers are easy to grow if you give them good soil, full sun and sufficient moisture, and wait for weather to warm before planting. It requires well-drained soil and high fertility.
Vining varieties can climb up to 6 feet with support, or hug the ground if allowed to sprawl. Bush varieties take up only 2 or 3 square feet, while unsupported vining varieties can run along the ground for 6 or more feet.
Tomatoes, Swiss chard and bush cucumbers in SIPs.
How to plant
Propagate by seed. Do not plant until soil reaches 65 F. Days to emergence: 3 to 10.
Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold. They need warm soil and air, whether direct-seeded or transplanted. Don’t rush to plant too early.
When to plant
Cucumbers grow best with long, hot, humid days with maximum sunshine and warm nights. Plants are extremely susceptible to frost.
Sow seeds outside only after danger of frost when soil has warmed. Make a second sowing 4 to 5 weeks later for a late summer or early fall harvest.
To seed in rows, plant seeds 1 inch deep and about 6 inches apart. To plant in hills, plant four or five seeds in 1-foot-diameter circles set 5 to 6 feet apart.
Cucumbers are ready to harvest in 65 to 105 days.
Thin cucumber plants in rows to 1 or 2 feet apart, depending on the variety, when 3 to 4 inches tail.
Direct-seed 1 to 1 ½ inches deep, either in rows (2 inches apart in rows 5 to 6 feet apart) or in hills (3 to 6 seeds per hill, hills spaced 3 to 5 feet apart).
Thin to 8 to 15 inches apart in rows or 2 to 3 plants per hill.
For direct-seeding squash and cucumbers, fill the container close to the top and plant five to six seeds in the center of the pot, covering with 1/2 inch of soil mix. Water and keep the soil warm. After germination, cut off the seedlings except for the two largest to avoid overcrowding. After they reach a height of 8 to 10 inches, cut off one, leaving only one plant per container. Avoid pulling out the seedlings as this disturbs the roots of the remaining seedlings.
For a continuous harvest, make successive plantings every 2 to 3 weeks until about 3 months before first fall frost date. About 1 month before first frost, start pinching off new flowers so plants channel energy into ripening existing fruit.
Fertilize often
Cucumbers are heavy feeders and require fertile soil, nitrogen fertilizer, and/or additions of high-N organic matter sources. Pale, yellowish leaves indicate nitrogen deficiency. Leaf bronzing is a sign of potassium deficiency.
Place the container in a site with full sun and protection from the wind. Check the plants daily for watering needs. By mid-July, begin to use a fertilizer solution for supplemental feeding. Once a week give each plant a good watering with a water soluble fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20 or Miracle Grow 15-30-15. Do not fertilize when the plants are dry-water them thoroughly first.
Cucumber Plant Maintenance: Nutrients, Disease and Pests - The Rusted Garden 2013 - YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ajfTsU
Tips for Growing Cucumber Plants - The Rusted Vegetable Garden http://buff.ly/UodKW6
Varieties
One of the best methods is to select a cucumber type that sets fruit "parthenocarpically" -- without pollination. In botany and horticulture, parthenocarpy (literally meaning virgin fruit) is the natural or artificially induced production of fruit without fertilization of ovules. One such variety suitable for containers is 'Arkansas Little Leaf' (also called 'H-19 Little Leaf'). It has small, triangle-shaped leaves and produces an abundant crop of two- to three-inch-long picklers throughout the season. It tends to start slowly, but it's strongly branched, can grow to more than 3 feet in diameter and really "pumps out" fruit.
If you want to plant a mix of varieties, some of which will require pollination, make sure to choose at least one monoecious type, which bears both male and female flowers. 'Fanfare' is a good choice for a bush-type slicer. This monoecious plant can get large--up to 4 feet in diameter - but is worth growing in a container because of its increased disease resistance and the better shape and quality of its fruits.
Varieties
- Pickling varieties bear short fruit (usually 3 to 4 inches) with thin skins and spines, usually with a stippled color pattern ranging from dark green at the stem to light green at the blossom end. They are usually ready to harvest sooner than slicing varieties, but harvest only lasts about 7 to 10 days.
- Slicing varieties have longer fruit (usually 7 to 8 inches) with a thick skin. Their coloring is sometimes stippled but is usually a uniform dark green. They usually start to bear a week or so later than pickling varieties, but harvest may continue for 4 to 6 weeks.
Vining varieties produce more fruit than bush varieties, but they take up much more space. Bush varieties bear fruit slightly earlier than vining varieties, and are easier to care for and harvest.
"Burpless" varieties have been selected to eliminate gas build-up that affects some people.
Seedless European varieties bred for greenhouse production usually perform poorly in gardens.
Recommended varieties:
Slicing:
Burpless Hybrid II
Greensleeves
Marketmore 76
Marketmore 80
Orient Express
Raider
Spacemaster
Sweet Slice
Pickling:
National
Regal
I planted this Burpee pickler hybrid in July. Early-maturing 53 days, black-spined pickles, on full-sized vines. Large plants mean heavier yields over a long period. Medium-green, 3½ to 5" fruits have blunt tips.
How to build a cucumber trellis for your container This video demonstrates how to build a cucumber trellis for your container garden using recycled materials. Tools and materials: - Old bamboo poles found on the street (You can use anything that is sturdy enough and stands upright such as tree branches). - Tape - String - Scissors Steps to build: - Cut the poles to your desired length. I cut mine at about 4 feet each. - Tape each pole to the container. I taped mine about 4 inches from the top of the container. - I tied the string about 6 inches from the bottom of the container to leave room to water through the pipe. - The string was wrapped around each pole with about 3-4 inches between each level of string until the top of the poles were reached. - The cucumber plant was then placed inside.
References:
Growing Cukes in Containers - National Gardening Association http://goo.gl/nxT5S
Growing Cucumbers Vertically to Maximize Space | Urban Organic Gardener http://goo.gl/tzwuv
Explore Cornell - Vegetable Growing Guides http://goo.gl/n91kL
Growing Cucumbers in Container Gardens - About.com http://goo.gl/kdF84
Related:
Growing Cucumbers - check minute 2:29 of this YouTube video http://goo.gl/9VrEG
Growing Cucumbers in Container Gardens - About.com http://goo.gl/kdF84
Growing Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash And Tomatoes In Containers, HYG-1645-94 http://goo.gl/Z8Ufm
Ohio line: Yard and Garden: Vegetables http://goo.gl/9h5Kj
Cucumber Essentials - National Gardening Association http://goo.gl/iOug1
Cucumbers for Salad and More - National Gardening Association http://goo.gl/dRnis
Pickling Cucumbers - National Gardening Association http://goo.gl/8MdrL
Growing Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash And Tomatoes In Containers, HYG-1645-94 - Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet http://goo.gl/GfbB9
Whether for pickling or slicing, cucumbers are easy to grow if you give them good soil, full sun and sufficient moisture, and wait for weather to warm before planting. It requires well-drained soil and high fertility.
Vining varieties can climb up to 6 feet with support, or hug the ground if allowed to sprawl. Bush varieties take up only 2 or 3 square feet, while unsupported vining varieties can run along the ground for 6 or more feet.
Tomatoes, Swiss chard and bush cucumbers in SIPs.
How to plant
Propagate by seed. Do not plant until soil reaches 65 F. Days to emergence: 3 to 10.
Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold. They need warm soil and air, whether direct-seeded or transplanted. Don’t rush to plant too early.
When to plant
Cucumbers grow best with long, hot, humid days with maximum sunshine and warm nights. Plants are extremely susceptible to frost.
Sow seeds outside only after danger of frost when soil has warmed. Make a second sowing 4 to 5 weeks later for a late summer or early fall harvest.
To seed in rows, plant seeds 1 inch deep and about 6 inches apart. To plant in hills, plant four or five seeds in 1-foot-diameter circles set 5 to 6 feet apart.
Cucumbers are ready to harvest in 65 to 105 days.
Thin cucumber plants in rows to 1 or 2 feet apart, depending on the variety, when 3 to 4 inches tail.
Direct-seed 1 to 1 ½ inches deep, either in rows (2 inches apart in rows 5 to 6 feet apart) or in hills (3 to 6 seeds per hill, hills spaced 3 to 5 feet apart).
Thin to 8 to 15 inches apart in rows or 2 to 3 plants per hill.
For direct-seeding squash and cucumbers, fill the container close to the top and plant five to six seeds in the center of the pot, covering with 1/2 inch of soil mix. Water and keep the soil warm. After germination, cut off the seedlings except for the two largest to avoid overcrowding. After they reach a height of 8 to 10 inches, cut off one, leaving only one plant per container. Avoid pulling out the seedlings as this disturbs the roots of the remaining seedlings.
For a continuous harvest, make successive plantings every 2 to 3 weeks until about 3 months before first fall frost date. About 1 month before first frost, start pinching off new flowers so plants channel energy into ripening existing fruit.
Fertilize often
Cucumbers are heavy feeders and require fertile soil, nitrogen fertilizer, and/or additions of high-N organic matter sources. Pale, yellowish leaves indicate nitrogen deficiency. Leaf bronzing is a sign of potassium deficiency.
Place the container in a site with full sun and protection from the wind. Check the plants daily for watering needs. By mid-July, begin to use a fertilizer solution for supplemental feeding. Once a week give each plant a good watering with a water soluble fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20 or Miracle Grow 15-30-15. Do not fertilize when the plants are dry-water them thoroughly first.
Cucumber Plant Maintenance: Nutrients, Disease and Pests - The Rusted Garden 2013 - YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ajfTsU
Tips for Growing Cucumber Plants - The Rusted Vegetable Garden http://buff.ly/UodKW6
Varieties
One of the best methods is to select a cucumber type that sets fruit "parthenocarpically" -- without pollination. In botany and horticulture, parthenocarpy (literally meaning virgin fruit) is the natural or artificially induced production of fruit without fertilization of ovules. One such variety suitable for containers is 'Arkansas Little Leaf' (also called 'H-19 Little Leaf'). It has small, triangle-shaped leaves and produces an abundant crop of two- to three-inch-long picklers throughout the season. It tends to start slowly, but it's strongly branched, can grow to more than 3 feet in diameter and really "pumps out" fruit.
If you want to plant a mix of varieties, some of which will require pollination, make sure to choose at least one monoecious type, which bears both male and female flowers. 'Fanfare' is a good choice for a bush-type slicer. This monoecious plant can get large--up to 4 feet in diameter - but is worth growing in a container because of its increased disease resistance and the better shape and quality of its fruits.
Varieties
- Pickling varieties bear short fruit (usually 3 to 4 inches) with thin skins and spines, usually with a stippled color pattern ranging from dark green at the stem to light green at the blossom end. They are usually ready to harvest sooner than slicing varieties, but harvest only lasts about 7 to 10 days.
- Slicing varieties have longer fruit (usually 7 to 8 inches) with a thick skin. Their coloring is sometimes stippled but is usually a uniform dark green. They usually start to bear a week or so later than pickling varieties, but harvest may continue for 4 to 6 weeks.
Vining varieties produce more fruit than bush varieties, but they take up much more space. Bush varieties bear fruit slightly earlier than vining varieties, and are easier to care for and harvest.
"Burpless" varieties have been selected to eliminate gas build-up that affects some people.
Seedless European varieties bred for greenhouse production usually perform poorly in gardens.
Recommended varieties:
Slicing:
Burpless Hybrid II
Greensleeves
Marketmore 76
Marketmore 80
Orient Express
Raider
Spacemaster
Sweet Slice
Pickling:
National
Regal
I planted this Burpee pickler hybrid in July. Early-maturing 53 days, black-spined pickles, on full-sized vines. Large plants mean heavier yields over a long period. Medium-green, 3½ to 5" fruits have blunt tips.
How to build a cucumber trellis for your container This video demonstrates how to build a cucumber trellis for your container garden using recycled materials. Tools and materials: - Old bamboo poles found on the street (You can use anything that is sturdy enough and stands upright such as tree branches). - Tape - String - Scissors Steps to build: - Cut the poles to your desired length. I cut mine at about 4 feet each. - Tape each pole to the container. I taped mine about 4 inches from the top of the container. - I tied the string about 6 inches from the bottom of the container to leave room to water through the pipe. - The string was wrapped around each pole with about 3-4 inches between each level of string until the top of the poles were reached. - The cucumber plant was then placed inside.
References:
Growing Cukes in Containers - National Gardening Association http://goo.gl/nxT5S
Growing Cucumbers Vertically to Maximize Space | Urban Organic Gardener http://goo.gl/tzwuv
Explore Cornell - Vegetable Growing Guides http://goo.gl/n91kL
Growing Cucumbers in Container Gardens - About.com http://goo.gl/kdF84
Related:
Growing Cucumbers - check minute 2:29 of this YouTube video http://goo.gl/9VrEG
Growing Cucumbers in Container Gardens - About.com http://goo.gl/kdF84
Growing Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash And Tomatoes In Containers, HYG-1645-94 http://goo.gl/Z8Ufm
Ohio line: Yard and Garden: Vegetables http://goo.gl/9h5Kj
Cucumber Essentials - National Gardening Association http://goo.gl/iOug1
Cucumbers for Salad and More - National Gardening Association http://goo.gl/dRnis
Pickling Cucumbers - National Gardening Association http://goo.gl/8MdrL
Growing Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash And Tomatoes In Containers, HYG-1645-94 - Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet http://goo.gl/GfbB9
Why do cucumber vines suddenly wilt and die? Bacterial wilt transmitted by cucumber beetle
Healthy cucumbers after 6 weeks in SIP. Note the tepee (left) and another type of bamboo stick support with trellis (right).
Healthily cucumbers, peppers, lettuce and Swiss chard in SIP.
What is bacterial wilt?
Cucumbers are susceptible to bacterial wilt that is transmitted by striped and spotted cucumber beetles. Plants are infected with the bacterial wilt disease by the attack of cucumber beetles. The disease organism overwinters inside the beetles' bodies.
Eggs of cucumber beetle
How to recognize bacterial wilt?
The most obvious symptom of cucumber wilt is vines that have been well watered suddenly wilting. Before this happens though the leaves of your vines will exhibit dull green patches. However, the onset of the disease is so fast that you may never notice this dullness.
Plants usually are infected with the disease-causing bacteria long before they show any symptoms. When the vines wilt and collapse (usually about the same time that the first cucumbers are half grown), it is too late to prevent the disease.
Bacterial wilt in a cucumber plant previously infested with cucumber beetle
How to control bacterial wilt?
The best method for control of this disease is to control the cucumber beetles.
Any resistant varieties?
The slicing cucumber cultivar 'County Fair' has some tolerance to bacterial wilt.
Eureka cucumber is not just tolerant but resistant to multiple diseases typically affecting cucumbers in the tropics.
References:
Container Gardening in Puerto Rico: Disease:Cucumber Wilt - http://goo.gl/cl7EX
Cucumber - Vegetable Directory - Watch Your Garden Grow - University of Illinois Extension - http://goo.gl/KDVUw
Cucumber Problems - What Causes My Cucumber Vines to Die Off? Bacterial Wilt. - http://goo.gl/yJByK
Bacterial Wilt of Cucurbits - http://goo.gl/bxOpQ
Wilting Cucumber Leaves - Vegetable Gardening Forum - GardenWeb - http://goo.gl/n38Hj
GARDEN Cucumber - DISEASES, PESTS AND PROBLEMS - http://goo.gl/gBNHP
G6400 Frequently Asked Vegetable Questions | University of Missouri Extension - http://goo.gl/1xvV5
Cucumber beetle
Healthy cucumbers after 6 weeks in SIP. Note the tepee (left) and another type of bamboo stick support with trellis (right).
Healthy cucumbers, peppers, lettuce and Swiss chard in SIP.
Cucumber beetle is a common name given to members of two genera of beetles. The adult beetles are found on the leaves and flowers of cucurbits; which are plant species of the melon, cucumber and squash varieties.
Plants Attacked: Cucumber, cantaloupe, winter squash, pumpkin, gourd, summer squash, and watermelon, as well as many other species of cucurbits. Cucumber beetles may also feed on beans, corn, peanuts, potatoes, and other crops.
The two most common pests in this family are the striped cucumber beetle and spotted cucumber beetle, which looks very much like a green ladybug. However, unlike the ladybug, cucumber beetles are considered harmful insects. They are sucking invaders which harm crops and ornamental plants.
Adult beetles attack the tender young growth of stems and leaves, and the buds and petals on mature specimens. They also carry and spread the bacterial wilt organism, Erwinia tracheiphila and the cucumber mosaic virus.
Eggs are laid in clusters on the underside of leaves, and hatch into yellowish larvae 1⁄2 inches (13 mm) long. The larvae then commence to feed on plant roots by tunneling into the ground. In some areas, the larvae is called the "corn rootworm".
Eggs of cucumber beetle
Cucumber beetles can attack and overwinter in corn and bean fields; in some areas they may hide out in compost or trash piles.
Bacterial wilt in a cucumber plant previously infested with cucumber beetle
Eradication consists of:
- manual removal - regularly inspect your plant leaves (especially underneath) for the cucumber beetle eggs. They are small, round, and orange to reddish. Removing the eggs will help control the beetle population.
- keeping cultivated areas free of litter and debris from infested plants
- application of pyrethrin-containing insecticides applied directly to host plants, such as Cyfluthrin or a non-systemic organphosphate insectside like malathion
Garden Safe Fruit and Vegetable Insect Killer contains the same volume as Natria (24-ounces) but has double the concentration of pyrethrins (0.02%):
References:
Cucumber beetle - Wikipedia http://bit.ly/Pei2pG
Cucumber Beetle Control - YouTube http://bit.ly/PeljW3
How To Spot Cucumber Beetles And Bacterial Wilt - YouTube http://bit.ly/Pelsc7
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