Home and Landscape

Poor Pollination in Cucurbits

Plants with poor pollination have fruit that may turn brown, become shriveled, or remain small or flattened in shape. Few or no seeds are found inside the fruit. Flowers may fail to develop or fall off.

Solutions

Bees generally pollinate cucurbit flowers. Rain, low light, or cold and hot temperatures can limit bee activity. Plant in full sunlight. To aid pollination, tap flowers during the middle of the day. Avoid pesticides that are toxic to bees.

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