US: Cucurbit downy mildew alert in New Jersey

Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), a fungus that affects cucurbit plants, has been detected in summer squash in southern New Jersey and watermelon on Long Island, marking the first reports of the disease in these crops in the current growing season. CDM is part of two main clades, with Clade I primarily affecting watermelon, pumpkin, and squash, and Clade II targeting cucumber and cantaloupe. To prevent the spread of the disease, growers are advised to implement a weekly CDM fungicide program and regularly inspect their crops. For more information, Rutgers University and the State University of New Jersey can be contacted.