May 2004. Cucumbers in Vanuatu are drying, the leaves are becoming papery and it happens quite quickly, stopping everything in its tracks. There has been dry weather, but with heavy dews which leave the leaves wet till about mid-morning. There are some thrips on the back of the leaves, but there are enough to cause the problem.

Water stress was suggested. Cucumber leaves are very thin and papery when dry. Check for nematodes or other problems in the roots. Also, look for lesions on the lower stem, e.g., at ground level, though if it was a stem girdling problem, the plant would wilt first. It looks more like inefficient roots. Nutrition seems to be alright, judging by the appearance of the weeds.