Decline of the US Cucumber and Squash Industry

Abstract

The US production of cucumbers and squash has been declining over the last two decades while imports have grown significantly. In particular, imports from Mexico have surpassed US domestic production and have become a major source of cucumber and squash supply in the US market. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of cucumber and squash production and trade to help policymakers, business communities, and researchers understand the structural changes in the market.

Susceptibility of Yellow Squash and Zucchini Cultivars to the Sweetpotato Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (MEAM1), in the Southeastern United States

“…In the state of Georgia alone, yellow squash and zucchini cultivation contributed USD 63.5 million across 6391 acres in 2019 [ 3 ]. However, from 2000 to 2020, the production of cucurbits declined [ 4 ]. The total production of fresh squash dropped from 400 million kg in 2000 to 227 million kg in 2020, down 43% over 20 years [ 4 ].…”

“…However, from 2000 to 2020, the production of cucurbits declined [ 4 ]. The total production of fresh squash dropped from 400 million kg in 2000 to 227 million kg in 2020, down 43% over 20 years [ 4 ]. One of the reasons for the declining production of squash is the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) [ 4 ].…”

“…Their feeding also causes silver leaf disorder and tarnished leaf appearance and fruit color, which reduce the crop’s marketability [ 12 ]. Along with direct losses due to a reduction in nutritional values, MEAM1 can indirectly impair the host plants by transmitting pathogenic viruses [ 1 , 4 , 10 , 11 ]. This sap-sucking pest can transmit over 300 plant viruses; therefore, it is known as a supervector [ 13 ].…”