Choanephora fruit rot of squash and pumpkin

This common disease occurs when humidity and temperature are both high. Symptoms usually start to develop at the blossom end of fruit touching the ground.  The pathogen is in the soil.  Affected tissue develops a wet, soft rot.  The pathogen’s growth is distinctive.  It looks furry (hairy) and like a lot of pins in a pin cushion.  Blossoms and leaves can also be affected.

There are no known ways to manage this disease.

Choanephora fruit rot

Choanephora fruit rot

Choanephora fruit rot

Choanephora symptoms on a developing pumpkin fruit.

Choanephora fruit rot

Choanephora fruit rot