White mold is a fungal disease which affects stems and fruit of cucumbers and squash. Initial infections commonly occur through dead tendrils, withered flowers on fruit, and dead leaves which are still attached to the plant. After infection, the fungus can spread into living tissues, where it causes a stem blight or fruit rot. White, cottony fungal growth develops on the stems, which later become dry and withered. Small black structures of the fungus may be present in the cottony mats or inside the stem. Affected cucumber fruits develop a soft, watery rot. Disease development is favored by long periods of cool, wet weather. Although widespread, the disease is not a serious concern on squash or cucumber.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Plant in well-drained soils.
Avoid overhead irrigation.
Space plantings to improve air circulation, particularly around the base of the plants.
Remove and destroy infected plants. Do not compost diseased plant materials.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended

Images

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Caption: Sclerotinia white mold on bean pods and stems Photo by: R.S. Byther

WSU Extension

Hortsense