Study shows planting cucumbers early can help to avoid downy mildew

Downy mildew affects cucumber crops in South Carolina every year and can cause huge crop losses, but Clemson University researchers say planting early can cut growers’ losses to just about zero.

A 2021 study conducted by Tony Keinath, professor of plant pathology, and Research and Extension vegetable pathologist at Clemson’s Coastal Research and Education Center (REC) in Charleston, and Felipe Silva, assistant professor of ag economics in Clemson’s Department of Agricultural Sciences agribusiness program, shows growers can practically avoid downy mildew issues by planting cucumbers early.

Downy mildew is a water mold that destroys plant foliage and is common on cucurbits, a family of plants that includes cucumbers, various melons, squashes and gourds.

“Downy mildew is the No. 1 disease of cucumber in South Carolina,” Keinath said. “Our study found 72% of the crop was lost to the disease for cucumbers planted late, as compared with 0% loss for cucumbers that were planted early.”

For his study, Keinath planted a spring crop of slicing cucumbers in 20 plots of 3 rows each at the Coastal REC between March 20 and May 10.

Keinath found planting early can help crops mature before downy mildew can take over, saving growers money normally spent on fungicides and labor.

The study shows it is important growers plant cucumbers nearer the beginning of the planting period before temperatures get warm. Outbreaks most often occur during mild, wet weather, when rainwater washes spores out of the air onto leaves. After infecting a plant, downy mildew will continue to spread, even in dry weather, if temperatures stay above 60˚  F.

“Planting earlier will help ensure the crops are harvested before downy mildew sets in,” he said.

Early planting can be beneficial for both conventional growers and organic growers. Most conventional growers use fungicides, including Ranman alternated with a protectant such as chlorothalonil or mancozeb before symptoms appear.  Conventional growers can use Gavel after symptoms appear to control downy mildew, while organic growers can use copper sprays to control the mold.

In addition, planting early can result in higher yields. The study shows cucumbers planted on March 24 yielded 1,648 cartons per acre, while cucumbers planted on May 12 yielded 930 cartons per acre. Twelve harvests were made on the 20 plots and consisted of plots treated with fungicides and plots not treated with fungicides. Each carton held 53.3 pounds of cucumbers.

Downy mildew is caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis mold. It does not overwinter in South Carolina but spreads from more southern states via wind-blown spores and can travel up to 1,000 miles in two days.

Cucurbit downy mildew also can be spread through infected transplants. The disease begins as dark, irregular spots that spread quickly on plants’ leaves, causing them to curl and ultimately leading to a reduction in photosynthesis that can interfere with the development of cucumbers.

Growers can use The Cucurbit Downy Mildew Forecast map to determine where downy mildew has been reported during the current year. The site also predicts where spores will spread from known sources and where weather will be favorable for a new outbreak in the next 48-72 hours.

A Clemson study finds planting cucumbers early can help crops mature before downy mildew can take over, saving growers money normally spent on fungicides and labor. Photo: Clemson University