Stem rot

Stem rot or gummy stem blight is a disease cause by two members of the Pleosporales order; Didymella bryoniae and Phoma cucurbitacearum, fungal plant pathogens, which attack mature plants.

Symptoms
Lower leaves turn yellow and a sunken brown canker appears at the base of the stem. Black dots develop in the cankered area. Disease may spread to other parts of the stem.

Treatment
Lift and destroy badly affected plants.

If the plant is only partially affected; cut out the diseased area.

Chemical
Fungicidal sprays are no longer available for treating this disease.

Prevention
Sterilise greenhouse and equipment between crops.