Angular Leaf Spot

Water-soaked lesions between the veins of leaves are a telltale symptom of this bacterial disease, which infects cucumbers, summer squash, and melons. Symptoms often first appear on the underside of leaves. As infected areas in the leaf die, the tissue becomes brittle and those leaf parts fall away, giving afflicted leaves a ragged appearance. Angular leaf spot lesions may exude a milky fluid that dries on leaf surfaces. In severe outbreaks, lesions may also develop on stems and fruit.

The bacterium overwinters in the soil on seeds and plant residues, and is spread by rain splash and wind. Angular leaf spot is especially prevalent in warm, humid climates.

Prevention and Control

• Plant vegetable varieties that are well-suited to your particular climate, and when possible, choose varieties such as Olympian cucumber that are resistant to angular leaf spot.
• Practice a two- or three-year crop rotation of cucumbers and other squash-family crops to break the disease cycle.
• Prevent the spread of disease by destroying infected plants and any that are in close proximity to them.
• Splashing water spreads bacteria. Avoid overhead watering and use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage as dry as possible. Avoid working in garden when plants are wet.
• Avoid overfertilizing; excess nitrogen produces tender growth that is more vulnerable to infection