Cucumber stem damage: diseases and treatment

Nutrient or moisture deficiencies and agricultural errors are some of the reasons why cucumber stems dry out and crack. Pests, viral, or fungal diseases are also likely the culprits. Treatment will be effective if the underlying causes are analyzed. Effective control methods include normalizing the soil's physical, chemical, and water balance and eliminating insect pests. The final step is preventing recurrence.

Causes and symptoms

Cucumber stems react immediately to negative changes. Signs of drying at the base should alert the gardener. If no action is taken, the stem structure will weaken within 5-7 days. It will become thinner and wither. The first, and not always correct, thought is that the seedlings are not getting enough water. On the one hand, insufficient watering leads to the bush drying out, but on the other, a fungal disease could be to blame. Increasing watering will act as a powerful catalyst.

The second category of causes is due to agricultural errors. Failure to follow the rules is the top mistake. Too much or too little sun, water, and nutrients will cause more damage than an insect infestation. The next most common is over-planting or improper selection of cucumber neighbors. This crisp vegetable reacts immediately to these.

The list of agricultural errors ends with the wrong choice of variety. Gardeners don't always take into account the regional climate. High-quality seed will not survive if it's too cold or too hot. The third category of causes is related to pest infestations or the appearance of pathogens. If gardeners disinfect tools and soil, use high-quality seed, and practice preventative measures, the likelihood of problems is low.

What diseases cause stem drying out?

Root rot occurs due to the activation of a fungal or bacterial pathogen. This is caused by a lack of prior disinfection of the soil or seedlings. Bacteria and fungi can remain dormant for years, so safety precautions should be followed. It's easy to figure out why mature cucumber stems are drying out at the base. Just pay attention to the following symptoms:

• the top of the bush became lighter with the onset of the heat;
• darkening of roots;
• the roots become thinner;
• slow development of seedlings;
• numerous cracks are visible on the trunk;
• The previously upward-facing leaves darken and fall off.

The only effective control method is Fitosporin-M. Apply 100 g of the product per square meter of area. Treatment continues for 5 days. Affected bushes are immediately removed and burned.

Cladosporiosis (olive leaf spot) is a disease that occurs in conditions of high humidity and consistently high temperatures. As soon as the fungal spores reach the seedlings, the leaves become covered with numerous brightly colored droplets. Within 4-5 days, they harden. The fruits curl, and the skin cracks. The plant's growth slows. Treatment involves the use of copper oxychloride-based products.

Insects and methods of control

A pest known as the cucumber midge settles on weakened plants. Its diet includes leaves, roots, and stems. Larvae are laid in manure piles. Once hatched, the insect immediately moves to its food source—the stem. As it develops, the cucumber midge creates numerous tunnels within the plant. As a result, the stem thins. A severe lack of nutrients and moisture leads to slower seedling development.

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The catalyst for this situation is agricultural errors. The first is the soil not being disinfected beforehand. The second is failure to follow crop rotation rules. Treatment involves treating the garden with chemical insecticides. A wide selection is available at garden supply stores. The product is diluted with water, as described in the instructions. Spraying is carried out once every 24 hours for three weeks. Other insect pests and control methods:

1. Aphid The insect is no more than 2 mm long and can be identified by its greenish tint. The parasite is localized on the underside of the leaf blade. Peak reproduction occurs in the spring. A concentrated solution of ash, onion peel, and water can help get rid of aphids. Prepare it in a 3:3:1 ratio. Let the mixture sit for 3 days, then spray the affected bushes. The products "Iskra" or "Fitoverm" will be more effective. An alternative treatment method is to introduce ladybugs, a natural enemy of aphids, to the area.
2. The adult fly is no more than 5 mm long. Eggs can be found in the soil near the stem. The hatched flies penetrate the trunk. Cucumbers planted in a greenhouse bed dry out.

Treatment involves replacing the soil, disinfecting the soil, and pre-disinfecting the greenhouse. Controlling a fly infestation is difficult, so it's best to focus on prevention.

Agrotechnical errors

Temperature shocks negatively impact the plant's immune system. Watering with too cold or too hot water is a common cause of stem desiccation. The water temperature should be no lower than 20°C (68°F) or higher than 25°C (77°F). Another common agricultural error is improper fertilizer selection or excessive nutrient application. Fertilizers are applied based on soil characteristics, the regional climate, and the specific characteristics of the variety. Fertilizer is first applied when the plant begins to actively develop and set fruit. Emphasis is placed on complex fertilizers.

The third agricultural mistake is too much or too little sunlight. Choose a site for planting that receives at least eight hours of sun per day. There should be no nearby sources of shade. Logically, the fourth agricultural mistake is related. Figuring out why the stems of planted cucumbers are cracking is easy. Just consider the planting density. If the plants are too close together, problems are inevitable.

How to reduce the risk of infection

Preventative measures reduce the risk of crop loss. They take little time and bring significant benefits. After eliminating pests or pathogens, disinfect the greenhouse or garden with Actellik, Biotlin, or Fitoverm. The dosage is indicated on the packaging. It's important to treat every corner, otherwise a relapse will not be long in coming. Other recommendations:

1. Herbal infusion: mix chamomile and plantain in equal parts. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let steep for 12 hours. Soak the seeds in the liquid for 3 hours.
2. A solution of 20 g of grated laundry soap, 30 drops of iodine, and 10 liters of water. Repeat the treatment every 10 days.
3. A solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 10 liters of water is used to water the beds 4 hours before planting. 300-400 ml is needed per 1 m².

A solution of 500 g of onion peels and 1 bucket of hot water. Let the mixture steep for 12 hours. Remove the peels and strain the solution. Add clean water at a ratio of 2:8. Apply to the leaves once every 4 days. This mixture kills pathogenic microorganisms.

Drying and cracking of the stem indicates problems with the development of the cucumber plant. Pests, diseases, and gardener's mistakes weaken the plant. Before taking any measures, analyze the condition of the seedlings. Mistakes and hasty actions should be avoided, otherwise, the risk of losing the harvest is high.