Pythium Root and Fruit Rot

Symptoms of Pythium Fruit Rot in Winter Squash
Symptoms of Pythium Fruit Rot in Winter Squash

Pythium Fruit Rot in Yellow Squash
Pythium Fruit Rot in Yellow Squash (Gerald Holmes, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org)

Casual Agent

Pythium root and fruit rot has been observed in Utah at two separate locations. The rot was caused by two different Pythium species – Pythium aphanidermatum and Pythium ultimum.

Symptoms

Above ground symptoms consist of plant stunting, wilt, and death, despite wet soils. The fruit rot symptoms start as brown spots on the underside, where the fruit contacts with the ground. Eventually, a cottony mycelium develops and fruit liquefies.

Disease Cycle

Pythium species are soilborne. It can survive indefinitely on organic substrates or as thick-walled oospores. Pythium zoospores are motile. When moisture becomes available, Pythium produces these zoospores and sporangia. Fruit infection occurs via vegetative mycelium, sporangia, zoospores, or oospores. The pathogen is capable of direct penetration. Pre-existing wounds on the plants increase susceptibility.

Management

  • Source disease-free seeds. Use seeds that have been grown in optimum moisture, temperature, and nutritional conditions.
  • Implement drip irrigation and plastic mulch. Avoid excessive watering and low, poorly drained areas of the fields.
  • Use staking and mulching. Prevent fruit contact with the soil.
  • Apply fungicide. Mefenoxam products used in soil drenches can reduce root rot. These are ineffective against fruit rot.