How to Manage Pests

Fusarium crown and foot rot on squash and pumpkin—Fusarium solani f. sp. cucurbitae

Although all cucurbits are susceptible, Fusarium crown and foot rot is a problem only on squash and pumpkin. The fungus causes water-soaked lesions on the stem at the soil line. Infected plants wilt and die. On the fruit, the lesions usually begin on the area that is resting on the ground. Fruit lesions are firm and dry, with the decayed area exhibiting a concentric ring pattern.

Solutions

This fungus survives in the soil and on seed. The disease occurs most often in the central coast of California. Rotate out of cucurbits for 4 years and use clean seed.

Pumpkins infected with Fusarium solani