Black spots on my squash leaves

buttaflie143 5/27/2011, 1:10 pm

Hi all,
Can someone please tell me what this is and what I can do to stop or prevent its spread? I tried researching it for possible solutions, but came up empty handed. Please help me.

Black spots on my squash leaves 2011-086

Black spots on my squash leaves 2011-086

Black spots on my squash leaves 2011-087

Black spots on my squash leaves 2011-088

**camprn** 5/27/2011, 4:45 pm

I don't know what it is. Have a look here UCONN Growing Squash
Dave's Garden Link
You may have better luck getting answers by contacting your County Co-op Extension Ag Agent http://wake.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=home

stripesmom 5/27/2011, 5:47 pm

Take a look at some of these pictures. I'm sorry Buttaflie, I know you've worked hard and this isn't what you were expecting. It will be ok. Keep trying

http://www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo/diagnostics/vegetable/summersquash/leavesspots.html

**Furbalsmom** 5/28/2011, 1:16 am

Buttaflie, this may not be available in your area like it is in mine.

Check out your local County Extension Service and see what they have available for assistance in your area. In our county, after training, Master Gardeners usually have to commit to volunteer work, which might include being at the local Saturday Market and being able to answer questions, or assist with plant disease and pest control information. Perhaps the Saturday Farmer's Market in your area has Master gardeners on duty and you could take along a sample of the leaf and some photos. Just a possibility for finding local assistance.

elliephant 5/28/2011, 8:47 am

I get leaves that look like that. I just cut them off and dispose of them. I also spray my squash regularly with a fungicide (I use natural ones like milk/water, copper, neem oil) as we are very prone to mildews here. I've been much more diligent about cutting off "yucky" leaves on my squash this year and they have lasted much longer than last year.

buttaflie143 5/28/2011, 10:28 am

elliephant wrote:I get leaves that look like that. I just cut them off and dispose of them. I also spray my squash regularly with a fungicide (I use natural ones like milk/water, copper, neem oil) as we are very prone to mildews here. I've been much more diligent about cutting off "yucky" leaves on my squash this year and they have lasted much longer than last year.

Ellie,
How are you cutting them, at the base of the stem of the affected leaf or just the leaf? Also, is your plant producing fruit? Mine still appears to be growing like the dickens. I am going to try putting down some cornmeal, treating it with a fungicide, and praying for some healthy zucchini.

elliephant 5/28/2011, 10:36 am

I cut them more or less close to the stem.

My plants have been producing fruit for a long time, but I planted them around Mar 1st.

buttaflie143 5/28/2011, 11:07 am

Thanks Ellie,
Had they started producing before the onset of the disease/fungus or after? I am just trying to guage whether or not my plant is going to produce edible zucchini.

elliephant 5/28/2011, 12:27 pm

I really would bet you'll get edible zuchinni. It hasn't seemed to affect the fruit and I've had leaves looking worse than yours. I know how stressful it is when plants keep having problems Sad

Last year I barely got my squash producing when I lost them to PM. Then the same thing happened AGAIN in the fall, and to my cukes as well. It's always something or other!

petals1973 5/28/2011, 1:21 pm

I had some squash leaves that looked like that and the gardening center told me that I either had a blight or a nutrient deficiency. She suggested that I feed them with John's recipe and to spray neem oil on the leaves. I've been doing that and they seem to be doing fine except for the fact that none of the fruit is setting. I just got back from buying some bee attracting plants so hopefully that will help.

This is my first year planting and I am a bit frustrated too. Big hugs sent your way. Don't give up.

elliephant 5/28/2011, 1:57 pm

Petals, if you're having trouble getting the fruit to set have you tried hand pollinating? That's what I usually have to do.

petals1973 5/28/2011, 2:47 pm

I actually got up early this morning to try that and none of my flowers were female. I guess I just need to be patient. I did see one female that looked like it will bloom within the next day or two so we will see. I have my q-tips ready!

shannon1 5/29/2011, 12:33 am

elliephant wrote:I get leaves that look like that. I just cut them off and dispose of them. I also spray my squash regularly with a fungicide (I use natural ones like milk/water, copper, neem oil) as we are very prone to mildews here. I've been much more diligent about cutting off "yucky" leaves on my squash this year and they have lasted much longer than last year.

That is just what I do as well. Snip them off. If you do end up useing Neem remember that it will kill bees and other benifical insects so ALWAYS spray at dusk when they are less active. Wink

buttaflie143 5/31/2011, 11:37 pm

I snipped the affected leaves and treated the rest of my plants with an organic fungicide. They look much better and today I found fruit. I have babies!!!!

Black spots on my squash leaves 53111_12

Black spots on my squash leaves 53111_12

Black spots on my squash leaves 53111_13

petals1973 5/31/2011, 11:44 pm

Congratulations!! I bet you are a very proud momma.

FamilyGardening 5/31/2011, 11:45 pm

ahhhh.....i have been seeing lots of new babies today in the forum Very Happy

congrats!

hugs
rose

shannon1 6/2/2011, 11:52 pm

Just lovely.

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