Summer squash , as its name advise , is a family of squash rackets that are grown during the warm summertime months . lesson types admit courgette and yellowed summer crookneck squash . Though the specific growing needs of summer crush vary slightly according to variety , several general job touch to soil conditions , louse pests and disease can affect your summer squash rackets crop .

Mildew

Various types of mildews can afflict summertime squash foliage during all grow season , but are most rife during the drop , according to North Carolina State University Extension . nurseryman can plant summer mash during the former summer to minimize the chances of their industrial plant contracting this disease . Avoid getting the summer squash plant ’s leafage besotted , and water in the morning so the Lord’s Day can quickly dry the plant . discussion options include standard vegetable fungicides , usually copper - based spray , available at most garden storehouse and nurseries .

Squash Bugs

Though they may only measure 5/8 inch long , the squash vine bug and its larvae can cause broad damage to your summertime squash plant by feed off of the industrial plant ’s foliage . The University of Illinois Extension commend a standard insect powder to handle this problem . model include sprays with bifenthrin and permethrin . nurseryman can minimize the risks squash bug infestations by engraft a summer mash variety that ’s immune to the insects , like ' Royal Acorn ' or ' Butternut ' squash , grant to the Virginia Cooperative Extension .

Poor Plant Development

Summer mash demand even lachrymation and consistently moist soil to support proper plant growth , according to Cornell University Extension . to boot , summer squash postulate full sunlight – six to seven hours of direct sunlight – to thrive . nurseryman can increase their soil ’s power to retain moisture by bring up in a couple inch of aged compost into the dirt . Additionally , add 3 to 4 inch of mulch can help foreclose moisture evaporation .

Cucumber Beetles

Cucumber beetles make more than just forcible damage to the summertime crush flora and fruit . The beetles also carry a bacterium that causes bacteria wilt , consort to the North Carolina State University Extension . Standard vegetable insecticides can be applied to control the pest . For a non - chemic control method acting , the University of Illinois recommends covering the summer squash flora with polyester rowing covers , available from most nurseries .

Summer Squash Scab

Lesions or dead spots on the summer squelch fruit and plant are known as squash blackleg and are triggered by the Cladosporium cucumerinum fungus . Besides being aesthetically graceless , the disease can also evoke stunted plant life growth . Cornell University Extension recommend increasing air circulation around the plant to dry them out . antimycotic agent like maneb and chlorothalonil can also pass the problem .

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