Flood Damage of Cucurbit Crops
Return Physiological and Nutrient Disorders
Flood damage symptoms often appear as nutrient deficiencies or a generalized yellowing. Prolonged exposure to flooded soils will result in anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions for plant roots, eventually causing death. When large numbers of roots die, the plant is often unable to take up sufficient nutrients, resulting in nutrient deficiencies. Floods may also bring biological, chemical, and physical changes to the soils depending on the length and severity of the flood.
Yellowed foliage due to flooding.
(Photo: Timothy Coolong, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- While damage from flooding is often unavoidable, planting in raised beds will improve drainage.
- It is recommended to test soils following major flooding events.
- The use of bioassays can also help to determine if significant changes to the soil have occurred.
- Growers should avoid planting root crops the season following a major flood event if there are concerns with soil contamination.
