Diseases

Squash Leaf Curl

Cucurbita pepo L.

Squash leaf curl is a symptom of several viral infections, including Squash leaf curl virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, ZYMV, and others, which cause leaf blade deformation and plant growth inhibition.

In the reference 24 varieties crop Field pumpkin, where this is mentioned in the description.

Leaf curl in squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a complex symptom caused by a group of pathogens, among which the Squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) plays a key role. Similar signs also appear when affected by Cucumber mosaic virus, Watermelon mosaic virus, Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, and Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus. Aphids act as vectors for most of these pathogens.

External manifestations of the disease include the leaf blade changing shape to become wrinkled or curled, the appearance of blister-like swellings, and a mosaic pattern. Plants are severely stunted in growth, with dwarfism and shortening of internodes observed. As the infection progresses, squash fruits become deformed, decrease in size, and may acquire a bitter taste.

Breeding for resistance to these viral pathogens is complicated by the lack of widely available information on specific marked genes analogous to known resistance systems in other Solanaceae or Cucurbitaceae crops. In modern practice, the control of leaf curl is based on comprehensive breeding aimed at increasing the overall phytosanitary resistance of varieties and hybrids.

General information about the subject — on the page Peach leaf curl.

Sources8

Varieties of Field pumpkin mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.