The cultivation of cucumbers is often associated with a number of problems, because the plants themselves and the fruits can be spoiled by various pests, fungal diseases, viral or bacterial infections. Among the main reasons, experts, as a rule, call improper care for these vegetables. For example, white rot, anthracnose, powdery mildew appear from increased humidity, while the roots begin to rot. But low humidity contributes to the development of spider mites. In addition, they are often affected by gourds. At the same time, diseases can actively develop both in closed and in open ground.
If you notice white spots on the leaves of cucumbers, then know that this may be a viral or fungal disease. So, for example, a white mosaic only affects greenhouse plants: with this disease, star-shaped spots are clearly distinguished on the leaves of cucumbers. With the development of the disease, the entire leaf may turn white, only green veins will remain on it. Fruits practically do not form, and if they grow, they look very bad: they are mostly small and tuberous. In addition, cucumbers acquire a peculiar color, consisting of stripes of yellow and white. If you notice the development of such a disease of cucumbers in a greenhouse, the photo of the affected fruits, which is presented in the article, will definitely not hurt you. This will help you identify the disease in the future and remember its first symptoms for a long time.
Seeing the described white spots on the leaves of cucumbers, you should not wait until the plant begins to bear fruit, it is better to destroy it immediately. Of course, it is difficult to fight this viral disease, because first you need to disinfect all equipment, containers and tools with a 5% solution of potassium permanganate. Other control measures are preventive: for sowing, it is better to take 2-3 summer seeds, which are soaked in special strengthening solutions. Do not forget about crop rotation in greenhouses, you should cultivate the soil before sowing.
But white spots on the leaves of cucumbers can also be a sign of a spider mite: in this case, they look like points that eventually lead to the drying of the affected leaf. On the underside of the leaves you will find a barely visible cobweb. In order to get rid of the spider mite, you have to collect all the affected leaves and burn them. In addition, plants must be regularly treated with special chemicals - insecticides. And then carefully make sure that there are no weeds around them.
But if you notice cracking brownish and white spots on the leaves of cucumbers, then this is ascochitosis. With this disease, the cucumber becomes like a boiled one, after a while it can turn black and dry. This infection affects weak plants, its development is facilitated by moist air, and its pathogen can remain in the soil, seeds, and in uncleaned plant debris.
In addition, powdery mildew can affect your cucumbers - it appears as white spots on the leaves. Over time, their entire surface becomes covered with plaque, which leads to the death of shoots and young stems.
If you decide to engage in the cultivation of vegetables in closed or open ground, it is better to know in advance all kinds of diseases of cucumbers. And the fight against them (photos before and after can confirm the effectiveness of its implementation), by the way, can be quite successful if you inspect the plants daily, regularly process them and remove the affected sprouts.