White spots on cucumber leaves: causes of appearance
Content:
It is very pleasant when the planted seeds sprout, the plants turn green, the flowers bloom. However, we are often faced with unforeseen circumstances. White spots or bloom appear on the leaves of plants. This speaks of troubles that could damage the future harvest. Why do white spots appear on the leaves of cucumbers - the article answers this question
Why do white spots appear on cucumber leaves?
white spots on cucumber leaves
Usually, a white bloom may appear as the first sign of a plant disease. Among cucumbers, the following diseases are common, which are characterized by these signs:
- If white spots like stars appear on the leaves, then these are the causative agents of white mosaic. If the treatment of the plant is not started on time, then the fruits can become very nondescript, small, and also frail.
- Another common disease is spider mites. Here, in addition to plaque, you can still observe a cobweb on the back of the leaves. If you do not fight the pest, the leaves will completely fall off.
- Ascochitis. It is also a popular disease among cucumbers. It usually occurs in extremely humid conditions, especially in greenhouses. The leaves are covered with light spots, and then cracks appear on them. When the disease is neglected, the fruits will be born soft, lethargic, which does not at all look like a real cucumber.
- If flour appears on the leaves, it means that the plant was attacked by powdery mildew. A white powder covers the entire plant, which leads to the death of the bush and, therefore, the harvest.
- Anthracnose. This is a serious fungal disease. Without protecting the plant from this infection, you can lose the entire crop. So, the white spots that appeared first, gradually turn brown, and then the leaf falls off. The same happens with the harvest. The fruits are covered with the same dark spots.
How to save cucumbers: White spots appeared on the leaves. What to do and how to treat
white spots on cucumber leaves
Having learned the reason for the appearance of white spots, you should begin to combat them in order to save the remaining plantings. Specialized stores sell special drugs that are aimed at destroying a specific disease. The drug "Aktara" or "Actellik" is effective against mosaics. Affected plants must be dug up and destroyed, and all inventory must be processed.
A solution of "Akarin" or "Fitoverma" can be used to treat bushes to stop the spread of spider mites. Bordeaux mixture is quite effective against ascochitis and anthracnose. Timeliness is important here, so it is necessary to carefully examine the plantings for signs of disease, since if the disease progresses, then you will have to lose the seedlings.
Traditional medicine in the treatment if white spots appear on the cucumber leaf
Opponents of chemicals have a different opinion. When signs of fungal diseases are detected, they immediately remove all diseased leaves, as well as weeds next to them.
In the fight against ascochitis, they use the same tactics. The first diseased sheets break off if symptoms of the disease appear on them.
Powdery mildew can be protected with manganese solution or milk or whey solution. 1 liter of drink is dissolved in ten liters of water.
Prevention measures
There can be many causes of diseases.
- Firstly, the infection can pass from the tool used during the processing of the plant.
- The seeds themselves may already be infected with a disease.
- Perhaps the climatic conditions of cultivation were violated. Greenhouse poorly ventilated, too much watering, or rainy weather.
- The disease can spread from other crops and even weeds. Therefore, in order to prevent disease, it is necessary to follow the rules of hygiene of equipment and plants. Weed the plants in time, ventilate the greenhouse, monitor moderate soil moisture, and, of course, regularly examine the plants for signs of white spots, and if they are found, they should be cut off every time and carried out not only for the diseased plant, but also for closely growing neighbors.
Photo of diseased leaves
white spots on cucumber leaves
white spots on cucumber leaves