Problems on cukes, zucchinis, pickles and cantaloupes.

[so lucky]

Hosspak, do the leaves get a lot of little holes in them, and finally dry out and die? Aphids can do that, and whitefly, I think. They leave a sticky residue (honey dew) that attracts mold, so there are several things working against the plant at the same time. Lots of times by the time you see it, you don't see any aphids any longer.

 

[Smart Red]

It would seem that "Sticky residue" to a lot of us equals aphids. Without a photo, that was my first thought.

 

[digitS']

And, the aphid idea is making more sense to me.

The honeydew wouldn't have to be falling on the plants from above but simply from aphids living on the plant leaves. Insect pests often cause disease problems.

Other "yuck" can start from their activities.

Steve

 

[Lavender2]

What causes the sticky film that covered and finally killed these plants? I never saw any weird beetles or other strange bugs, but I still watched these plants go from riches to rags in just a few days.... Please advise.

Was the palm tree still there when you had this problem?
And what month, and growing stage of the plants?

 

[hosspak]

Was the palm tree still there when you had this problem?
And what month, and growing stage of the plants?

Yes it was, but now it's gone. The plants were well into their production cycle, producing nicely until they were affected.

 

[Lavender2]

The reason I asked about the tree is that whiteflies like them as a host - (the honeydew drop that others have mentioned). In my experience with aphids and whiteflies, I would think you would notice something- eggs, adults, or some type of damage - holes, curled or mottled leaves, etc. The damage usually happens over a longer period of time. Both of those pests can carry viruses, but viruses show symptoms - yellow vein, spots on leaves or fruit, etc. and again, not fast killing. (all things I'm sure you have found in your research)

There is a relatively new whitefly in CA that leaves no damage but lots of honeydew LINK ... might be your sticky leaves?? ...however I still don't see the link to the fast plant death.

If the plants showed severe wilt and then died very quickly it really sounds more like bacterial wilt. Several types of beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects that pierce any part of the plant may transfer the disease. Perhaps if your garden is a newly planted area you may not have an infestation great enough to do much damage or be very noticeable?
Bacterial wilt

Now, if you planted bacterial wilt resistant strains of cucs you may be able to throw all that out ... if not, it may be a place to start.