If a sticky, oozy substance comes out, its bacterial wilt.
This slimy substance clogs the plants circulatory system, so it cant take in water.
The damage from cucumber wilt happens quickly in cucumbers and muskmelons.
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Within a week of becoming infected, dull patches develop on the leaves.
Within two weeks the entire vine wilts, and the fruits will look deformed and small.
In many cases, there’s noyellowing of the cucumber leaves.
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The bacteria can overwinter in the beetles digestive system or the insects may pick it up while feeding elsewhere.
These beetles also spread the cucumber mosaic virus.
The striped cucumber beetle is about a 1/4-inch long and has three black stripes on its yellow-green wings.
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The spotted cucumber beetle is a similar yellow-green color but has 12 black spots.
The larvae of both beetles are white with dark heads and posteriors.
They are found in the soil under your cucumber plants.
The eggs are a bright orange-yellow.
Controlling Cucumber Bacterial Wilt
The best way to prevent bacterial wilt is to keep yourplants healthy.
Cucumber beetles prefer feeding on wilted plants, which are already more prone to infection.
confirm your plants are well watered and well cared for.
There’s no cure for bacterial wilt.
Seedlings and young plants are especially susceptible.
If it doesn’t, cucumber wilt, not overwatering, is causing the wilting.
A dying cucumber plant is difficult to revive if it’s affected by disease.
If the soil is dry, water it slowly and deeply until saturated.
Check whether the drainage holes are open if the soil is too wet.
Don’t water the plant until the soil has dried out.
Bacterial Wilt.University of Maryland Extension.
