Nor does this imply that growers have not been practicing IPM principles such as the use of resistant varieties when available, scouting for disease and insect occurrence, crop rotation, raised beds, and other cultural practices. Almost all of this work is in the research mode at the present time, and has been stimulated by recent support for IPM research funded by New York Department of Agriculture and Markets grants. Considerable progress has been made in defining the use of conventional and alternative chemicals for powdery mildew, gummy stem blight, and Septoria leaf spot control. A cucurbit working group consisting of researchers and Cooperative Extension agents has recently been formed as an additional subcommittee of the IPM Vegetable Commodity Committee. In addition, a statewide Cucurbit Advisory Group made up of growers from each region of the state, researchers, and field staff is now in existence.
Weeds can be a major limitation to cucurbit production.
The importance of weeds is increasing because some effective herbicides have been lost and others are not being re-registered. Growers have begun to use alternative control practices such as the stale seedbed technique partially because their options have been limited. The common broadleaf and grass weeds cannot be easily managed with the existing, registered herbicides. The stale seedbed technique involves preparing the field several weeks before planting, then applying herbicide a few days before planting and optimally again before crop emergence. Cucumber beetles and aphids are cucurbits' major insect pests.