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Tyngsboro, MA

A paper was recently published called "Bacteria That Cause Cucurbit Yellow Vine Disease Fall Within the Serratia ureilytica Species of the S. marcescens Complex and Can Be Vectored by Cucumber Beetles"

Here's a link to the abstract:
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PHYTO-10-24-0321-R

It's important because up to this point the only official vector for CYVD has been Squash Bugs - now it's confirmed to be vectored by Cucumber Beetles as well. CYVD is a brutal and frustrating disease for giant pumpkins, so this a call to be additionally wary of cucumber beetles in your patch if you have CYVD in your area.

I'm also excited that I played a small role in helping with this paper. In 2023 I had suspected CYVD in my patch and worked with Iowa State University to get my plants tested. At the same time I mentioned that I hadn't seen any squash bugs, but had seen a lot of cucumber beetles. They offered to test my beetles. So I collected some in a ziploc. Hid them in the freezer while I waited for the right paperwork and got them sent out and tested. It's a cool reminder to work with universities and extension agents to get things properly tested and help research along.

3/20/2025 11:07:28 PM

Bethlehem CT

Jamie, Thank you so much for posting this, This is huge news!

3/21/2025 7:16:39 AM

Western PA

That is huge news, and unfortunately, not good news. For newer growers reading this, your best friend is a fogger when spraying.

3/21/2025 7:55:34 AM

Central NY

Awesome Jamie. You da man.

3/21/2025 7:55:57 AM

Bethlehem CT

Yelloow vine is very mysterious. We have so much to learn still. I am sure there will be lots more surprises. I have so many questions about this disease.

3/21/2025 8:49:15 AM

Corryton, TN

The next question I have would be:
Are there any other host plants for CYVD other than cucurbits?

A similar problem that we have seen is that some oak trees harbor the chestnut blight without any serious effects making it virtually impossible to irradicate in today's forests.

3/21/2025 3:08:19 PM

Tyngsboro, MA

Thanks all. That’s a very interesting question brotherdave

3/21/2025 9:51:44 PM