Hi there,
I have a couple of questions. I bought a curcurbita squash locally and planted it. I already see a couple of squash beginning to grow, but all the leaves have a whitish tint to them. Sort of like chalk is on them. Is that normal? Also, is the name "curcubita" the name of many types of squash or just this one?
Also, I noticed some of my pepper plants have bug holes in the leaves. Is there a spray I can use safely to remove the hidden bugs? I think they might be the same bugs munching on my eggplant leaves too.
Thanks for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Megan
Curcurbita and peppers
1. All squash are members of the genus cucurbita so I have no idea what type of squash you are growing. Many of the winter squash have whitish splashes on the leaves. If you have a dull whitish powdery look , it is probably powdery mildew. It can be controlled with a fungicide. Baking soda at 2 tables spoon per gallon of water works about as well as anything.
2. Pepper and eggplants especially are attractive to flea beetles. It is a little black bug that you will notice jumping off when you touch the plant. It can really jump. Unless you have a lot of holes that really hurt the leaves, Would not worry about them. If the damage is extensive Carboryl (Sevin) or Esfenvalerate (Ortho Bug B Gone) will work. Flea beetle damage looks similar to holes left by a shot gun loaded with birdshot.
Thanks you Farmerdill. I was confused when I saw the plant tagged as "Curcurbita" because I wasn't sure, but I thought I remembered seeing it listed as the genus in plant files. I can mix that up today and pour it onto the squash. Right now, they look like tiny zuchini's to me.
There aren't a lot of holes, just a few, so I will keep Sevin in mind just in case it gets a whole lot worse.
Thank you!!!!!!!!
If you use the sevin, it's best to apply it very carefully and after the bees have gone to bed.
Also true of any insecticide including esfenvalerate. Peppers and eggplants are not very attractive to bees, so the hazards are much less. Don't use the dust forms on any cucurbitas tho and the liquid forms only in the late evening.
I guess I mentioned it b/c I often grow flowers amongst my peppers. :)
lafko06 wrote;" they look like tiny zuchini's to me.
My zucchini's have white on their leaves, and, as Farmerdill says, it's just part of the color. The pattypans' that are their neighbors have solid green leaves. The baking soda probably won't hurt, but may be un-necessary.
Yesterday I was reading something posted somewhere on DG that expounded 5 parts water to 1 part milk (any kind) for powdery mildew. Sure an organic way to try.