Gourd Pests: Same as Cucurbita?

[bluelacedredhead]

This is really the first time I have seriously made an effort to raise gourds. I have an ornamental mix growing by the turkey house and a Cypriot Long Gourd growing in a 5 gallon container outside my kitchen window.
The Long Gourd seems pest free at this stage of it's life. But the ornamental has a few chew holes in the leaves..

Are the pests the same as squash, cucumbers and melons?

Or do gourds have pests all unto themselves?

[hoosierheightsfarm]

I thought the chupacabra was only present in Central America?


Patrick

[bluelacedredhead]

Okay, I had to google Chupacabra.
skepdic.com/chupa.html
I hope it doesn't opt for a lifestyle change and go after my gourds,

[johno]

Blue, the pests are pretty much the same, although gourds are often more resistant than their tender cousins.

One exception is a type of Lagenaria grown by Indians in the Southwest as a trap crop for cucumber beetles. They bust a hole in the side of the gourds, (which are supposed to look a bit like the Bushel gourd,) and the little buggers are drawn to the attractive chemical. This chemical is present in most cucurbits, but is in high concentrations in this one. Or so I am told - we'll see how it goes...

It can also be used much like a monkey trap to catch those pesky chupacabras, the hard part is getting the goat inside.

[flowerpower]

It does seem like the gourds are more resistant than other winter squash. Maybe it has to do with the sugar content in the fruits?