Poor Pollination of Cucurbit Crops
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Poor pollination. With the exception of parthenocarpic cucumbers, cucurbits require pollination to produce fruit. Several visits from pollinators on the day that a flower is open are often required to ensure appropriate fruit development. Fruits will appear misshapen and small when pollination is poor. Cucumbers will be reduced in size at the fruit stem end. Very high and low temperatures, and high relative humidity can also affect pollen viability, resulting in poor pollination. If too much nitrogen is used (resulting in excessive vegetative growth) or plants were improperly spaced, bees may have difficulty locating the flowers.
Poorly pollinated zucchini
(Photo: Rachel Rudolph, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Provide pollinators to ensure good fruit set and high yields.
- Spray insecticides at sundown or before sunrise when pollinators are not active.
