These crops may be healthy in some years, but disease can be severe in others. The best management strategy combines cultural controls to reduce disease danger and timely use of fungicides if needed. Use crop rotation. Whenever possible, do not plant cucurbits on or next to land that had cucurbits in the last three years. Do not plant cucurbits near woods or brushy areas that may be weedy.
Many weeds harbor cucurbit diseases.
Control all weeds in and near the cucurbit patch. Be sure to control perennial weeds, which can be a source of overwintering cucurbit disease organisms. Plant several rows of corn around the cucurbit patch, or at least on the windward side. This helps keep out aphids that carry cucurbit virus diseases. Control aphids and cucumber beetles.