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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Blossom drop in cucurbits

Blossoms fall off.

Solutions

The flowers of cucurbits that appear first are male and drop naturally and may be ignored. If later fruiting flowers drop in large numbers, it is probably due to insufficient pollination. Frequent bee visits are needed for pollination. If bees do not visit your plants, hand pollination is possible using an artist's paint brush. Look for bees between 7 and 8 a.m. Avoid use of insecticides that will kill bees.

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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