Phytophthora blight, crown and root rot, and fruit rot are serious problems on cucurbit and fruiting (solanaceous) vegetables in the eastern half of the United States. Short vegetable crop rotations, center-pivot irrigation, and heavy rainfall create conditions favorable for Phytophthora diseases.
In South Carolina, Phytophthora diseases occur on vegetables in all parts of the state in clay, loam, and sandy soils. The disease occurs most often on summer squash and pepper, two of the most susceptible crops. Fruit rot on watermelon and pumpkin has been serious in some fields.
