It's summer time and therefore harvest time. The first home-grown cucumbers are ripening. Unfortunately, the joy of harvesting cucumbers in particular is quickly spoiled by fungal diseases such as mildew. We give you the most important information about mildew-resistant varieties.
Are there varieties of cucumbers that are resistant to mildew?
There are now many varieties of cucumbers that are resistant to powdery mildew. There are plants that are resistant to powdery mildew or downy mildew as well as both types of fungi. As a result, infestation only occurs in very rare cases.
Why should I choose resistant species?
Mildew is the most common disease in cucumber plants. Once the plant is infected, combating it is complex. The fungus overwinters on plant parts on the ground or buds. The spores are then spread to other plants by the wind. Therefore, mildew infestation is quite likely in the following year. If you had to struggle with powdery mildew in your garden last year, you should choose resistant varieties. This also applies to growing cucumbers in regions that offer the best growing conditions for the fungi.
What resistant varieties are there?
There areresistant varieties for the different types of cucumbers. The varieties listed are suitable against both types of mildew.
- Snack cucumbers: Bella F1 and La Diva, Iznik
- Cucumbers: Burpless Tasty Green F1, Saiko, Midios F1, Lothar F1
- Country cucumbers: Marketmore and Marketmore 76
- Gherkins: Conny F1, Corentine F1, Excelsior F1, Restina F1, Zircon F1
In general, old varieties such as the foothill grape, the Eva variety and the Silesian farmer's cucumber are also considered to be very robust and resilient. Their strong leaves prevent fungi from penetrating.
What do I have to take into account with resistant varieties?
Cucumber varieties that are resistant to powdery mildew are cared for in the same waylike all other cucumber plants Above all, pay attention to whether they are outdoor, container or greenhouse varieties. Water and fertilize your cucumbers as usual. If there are serious care errors, the cucumbers can be so weakened that an infestation still occurs.
Tip
Mildew in the greenhouse
There is also a risk of mildew infestation in the greenhouse. Both downy mildew and powdery mildew occur. If you want to grow cucumbers again in the same greenhouse the following year after mildew, it is better to use hardy or resistant varieties. Even with thorough cleaning, isolated fungal spores can survive.
