Problems with zucchini: what causes bumps on zucchini?

These large and beautiful zucchini leaves protect their abundant fruit from the elements, providing what seems to be an inexhaustible supply of zucchini with a smooth, straight skin. For most gardeners, the question of how to get rid of so much fruit is the most important thing on their mind, but when a gardener has an irregular zucchini fruit, getting rid of the excess fruit becomes a secondary issue in correcting the bad shape of the zucchini. Let’s see what to do with dented zucchini.

Shocks in the zucchini

Although there is a variety of open-pollinated zucchini with rough skin, bumps on the zucchini are not typical. The bumps are generally considered to be a sign of one of the most serious problems of zucchini, caused by one of the many incurable plant viruses. Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Watermelon Mosaic Virus, Papaya Ringspot Virus, Zucchini Mosaic Virus and Yellow Zucchini Mosaic Virus can cause these irregular and deformed fruits.

Symptoms of the many zucchini viruses can be closely resembling, with common symptoms such as scattered yellow spots on young or ripe leaves, leaf distortion and irregular bumps or yellow spots on zucchini fruit. There is often a delay in plant growth, especially if the zucchini plant contracted the virus at an early age or if the seed itself has been infected.

A less common cause may be due to rapid growth or excess calcium in the soil.

Prevent zucchini problems related to the virus

There is no way to treat zucchini once they are infected with viruses, but there are many preventive measures you can take at planting time, especially if you have already lost crops due to viruses. Many viral pathogens are transmitted by sucking insects, such as cucumber beetles or aphids, but they can also be spread by infected seeds maturing on infected plants.

Do not store zucchini seeds if there is any doubt about the viral status of the mother plant. Instead, order certified virus-free seed from a reputable supplier. If you are directing your zucchini seeds, take the time to place reflective mulch and row covers to protect your zucchini from sucking pests that carry viruses. Transplants grown in greenhouses should be carefully monitored for insect pests.

You can slow the spread of zucchini viruses in your garden by keeping the grass and weeds in your garden well trimmed, as areas of weeds and overgrowth are very attractive to insects. When virus infections are evident, infected plants should be removed immediately to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. Always work with disease-free plants before moving diseased plants, as some plant viruses can be transmitted by dirty tools or clothing, especially when grafting or pruning zucchini.