Damage: Infected leaves exhibit irregularly shaped brown spots that may have a hole in the center. Stems may become elongated and sunken when infected.
Control: Begin with resistant varieties and purchasing clean seed from a reputable distributor. Do not collect seed from infected plants. Practice crop rotation allowing three years between crops from the squash family. Avoid splashing soil and water on the plants by using mulch and drip irrigation. Infected plants should be destroyed, not composted. Sanitize tools between use if they contact diseased plants.
Periodic fungicide applications may be necessary during wet weather in mid-summer. Apply chlorothalonil (Bonide Fungonil Concentrate, Daconil, Ortho Garden Disease Control, Fertilome Broad-Spectrum Landscape and Garden Fungicide, others) or mancozeb (Bonide Mancozeb Flowable). (Cynthia Domenghini)