Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2021 - 109

metallized reflective mulch used to repel or disorient aphids that
can spread viruses.
Squash Bug: Begin scouting shortly after plant emergence. Treat
every 7 to 10 days when adults or nymphs appear. The control of
squash bugs is particularly important where yellow vine disease
occurs since squash bugs vector the pathogen responsible for this
disease.
Spider Mites: Mite infestations generally begin around field margins
and grassy areas. CAUTION: DO NOT mow these areas after
midsummer because this forces mites into the crop. Localized infestations
can be spot-treated. Note: Continuous use of pyrethroid
sprays may result in mite outbreaks.
DISEASE MANGEMENT
Cucurbit Downy Mildew Forecasting System: Cucurbit downy
mildew (CDM) is a devastating foliar cucurbit disease. While
difficult, if not impossible to control, CDM can be prevented by
using effective IPM practices. A useful tool for prevention of
CDM is the CDM forecasting system. This program depends on
the accurate reporting of CDM in the field as well as the monitoring
of over 50 strategically placed sentinel plots. These plots are
monitored by Plant Pathologists at multiple Land Grant Universities
throughout the United States and Canada. Forecasts of the
epidemic movement of the disease are generated 3 times a week.
Risk maps are produced from these forecasts. For forecasts, maps,
local contacts and other helpful information please visit our website,
http://cdm.ipmpipe.org. If you think you have CDM, please
contact your local Extension office.
Viruses (cucumber mosaic virus [CMV], watermelon mosaic
virus [WMV], papaya ringspot mosaic virus [PRSV)], zucchini
yellow mosaic virus [ZYMV]): Use resistance varieties when possible.
Even when using resistance varieties, they many not escape
virus diseases. Most varieties do not have virus resistance to all
four viruses. It is important to sample plants with virus symptoms
in a given year so that the following year varieties are selected that
at least have resistance to those viruses that may be more prone to
occur in your production region.
WEED MANAGEMENT
See the previous " Mulching " section for further information on
weed control under clear plastic mulch.
For Seeding into Soil without Plastic Mulch. Stale bed technique:
Prepare beds 3 to 5 weeks before seeding. Allow weed
seedlings to emerge and spray with paraquat a week prior to seeding.
Then seed beds without further tillage.
For Soil Strips between Rows of Plastic Mulch. Use the following
land preparation, treatment, planting sequences, and herbicides
labeled for squash, or crop injury may result.
1. Complete soil preparation and lay plastic and drip irrigation before
herbicide application.
2. Spray preemergence herbicides on the soil and the shoulders
of the plastic strips in bands before weeds germinate. DO NOT
APPLY HERBICIDE TO THE BED SURFACE OF THE
PLASTIC. Herbicides may wash from a large area of plastic into
the plant hole and result in crop injury.
3. Incorporate herbicide into the soil with1/2 to 1 inch of rainfall
or overhead irrigation within 48 hours of application and BEFORE
PLANTING OR TRANSPLANTING.
4. Apply selective postemergence herbicides broadcast or in bands
to the soil strips between mulch to control susceptible weeds.
POLLINATION
Bees are important for producing high yields and quality fruit.
Move honey bees or bumble bees into the field as flowers on
squash plant open. Populations of pollinating insects may be adversely
affected by insecticides applied to flowers or weeds in
bloom. Apply insecticides only in the evening hours or wait until
bloom is completed before application. See section on " Pollination "
in the General Production Recommendations.
HARVESTING AND STORAGE
See Table 14 for postharvest information.
2021 Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States
109
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Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2021

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