Wind Damage/Sandblasting on Cucurbit Crops
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Wind damage/sandblasting is relatively common in cucurbits due to their large leaves. High winds often cause stem damage and drying of transplants, particularly on the area of the stem facing prevailing winds. Excessive winds will desiccate leaves, causing them to die from the margins toward the center. Entire fields can be affected, leading to significant losses.
Wind damage to field.
(Photo: Timothy Coolong, University of Kentucky)
Sandblasting injury to stem.
(Photo: Timothy Coolong, University of Kentucky)
Wind burn to leaves.
(Photo: Timothy Coolong, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Employ windbreaks along fields.
- Avoid transplanting in high winds whenever possible.
