Pickleworms feed on the blooms and tunnel into the developing fruit of cucurbit crops, such as cucumbers, squash, zucchini, and cantaloupe.
Justin Ballew, ©2023, Clemson Extension
What caused the hole in the side of this cucumber? (Nothing is wrong with the color. This cultivar is called Silver Slicer.) This week’s question is a review from a post Tom Bilbo wrote recently about pickleworms. Pickleworms feed on the blooms and tunnel into the developing fruit of cucurbit crops, such as cucumbers, squash, zucchini, and cantaloupe. They feed and develop within the fruit, creating extensive cavities by the time they exit to pupate in folded leaf tissue. Needless to say, once pickleworms bore into the fruit, it is unmarketable. For management tips, look back at Dr. Bilbo’s recent post.
