Cucumber Pythium Fruit Rot disease is a fungal (mold) disease that particularly affects cucumber fruits. It is caused by a water mold fungus called Pythium spp. This disease typically manifests itself on cucumber fruits with dark spots, softening, and rot. Pythium Fruit Rot generally develops in environments with high humidity and water accumulation. The disease may appear especially when fruits remain moist after rain or excessive irrigation. It usually resides in the growing environment and spreads in humid conditions. Brown, water-soaked spots can form on the surface or lower parts of the fruits. These spots can grow over time, leading to softening of the fruit tissue. Cultural measures are crucial in combating this disease. Particularly regulating irrigation practices, increasing air circulation by maintaining sufficient distance between plants, preventing water accumulation, and cleaning plant debris can prevent the spread of the disease. Chemical control is generally not recommended during the fruit protection stage as chemicals applied to fruits can pose risks to human health. Therefore, monitoring plant health along with cultural measures and removing affected fruits when necessary is important in controlling diseases like Pythium Fruit Rot. Cucumber Pythium Fruit Rot disease usually develops in conditions with high humidity and water accumulation. Humidity levels above approximately 80% and temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius are considered favorable for its development. Especially after irrigation or rainy periods, Pythium Fruit Rot disease may be more prevalent in conditions with high humidity and water accumulation. Therefore, regulating irrigation methods and minimizing water accumulation are crucial to prevent this disease. Chemical control methods against Cucumber Pythium Fruit Rot disease are generally not recommended because the use of chemical pesticides, especially when the disease is observed on fruits, can pose risks to human health. However, cultural and practical measures are preferred to control the disease without harming plant health and presenting risks to human health. Among the preventive measures are:

1. Good irrigation management: Controlling the amount of irrigation and preventing water accumulation can reduce the spread of the disease. Regular irrigation practices can help minimize water accumulation.

2. Interplant spacing: Increasing air circulation by maintaining sufficient distance between plants can reduce humidity and prevent the spread of the disease.

3. Removing plant residues: Regularly cleaning and disposing of plant residues can prevent the spread of the disease.

In the management of diseases like Pythium Fruit Rot, cultural and hygienic practices are often more effective than chemical treatments and may not pose risks to human health while preserving plant health. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of cultural practices and plant hygiene in disease control. Climate control and feeding practices are important for the control of Cucumber Pythium Fruit Rot disease:

1. Moisture and temperature control: High humidity and water accumulation promote the development of Pythium disease. Providing good ventilation and regulating irrigation methods can help control humidity levels. 2. Air circulation: Increase air circulation by maintaining sufficient distance between plants and ensuring regular ventilation. This can contribute to reducing humidity on leaves and preventing the spread of the disease.

1. Plant health: Adequate nutrition is essential for balance and health. Providing plants with the necessary nutrients can enhance overall plant health and, consequently, strengthen resistance against diseases. 2. Cultivation environment management: Maintaining the pH balance of the cultivation environment and improving the level of organic matter can positively impact plant health. This, in turn, can increase plant resistance against diseases.

Climatic and feeding practices can assist in the control of fungal diseases like Pythium Fruit Rot. Particularly, controlling environmental factors such as humidity and temperature can reduce the development of the disease.