The cucumber is an extremely popular plant in the garden and in flower beds. The refreshing fruit is often used as a crunchy ingredient in a wide variety of salads. However, from time to time the plant is attacked by annoying fungi such as gray mold.
How do you recognize and combat gray mold on cucumbers?
The gray mold can be recognized by agrey mold coatingon the cucumber. Infected plant parts must be removed using a suitable garden tool or a sharp knife.horsetail broth or nettle manure are used as effective means of combating gray mold.
What causes gray mold on cucumbers?
Cucumbers are particularly affected by gray mold in thecool and wet seasons. This is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The constant moisture promotes the spread of the fungus. You should also control the fertilization of your plant. Incorrect or excessive nutrient supply weakens the cucumber in the long term. Only fertilize it if it shows clear signs of deficiency. However, avoid using chemical fertilizers. These weaken the plant and are harmful to the environment. Therefore, use natural and plant-friendly products to fertilize your cucumbers.
Is a gray mold cucumber edible?
If the fruit of the cucumber is affected by gray mold, you shouldno longer eat itDue to the high water content, the mold spores spread throughout the fruit. Therefore, do not harvest the cucumbers. The spores are harmful to your he alth in the long term and should not be consumed. Discard not only the affected cucumber, but also all neighboring fruits. These are also usually infected. The mold is often not visible and is therefore eaten unknowingly. You should definitely avoid this.
How to prevent the appearance of gray mold on cucumbers?
Aregular and thoroughcare of cucumbers is particularly helpful in preventing fungal diseases such as gray mold as much as possible. When watering the cucumbers, you should keep an eye on the amount of water supplied. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs in order not to endanger the he alth of the plant. You should also avoid watering the stem and leaves. Remove dead plant debris and leaves at regular intervals. The fungus feels particularly comfortable beneath the leaves and therefore spreads more quickly.
Tip
Fertilizers for cucumbers to prevent gray mold
The cucumber needs to be strengthened a little from time to time in order to survive fungal diseases such as gray mold. For this reason, you should ensure regular fertilization. Young plants must be supplied with important minerals and nutrients at least every two weeks. Natural home remedies are particularly gentle and effective. Eggshells, horn meal, coffee grounds, banana peels or horse manure are excellent fertilizers for the cucumber plant.
