Table 3.3. Results of pathogenicity tests on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo 'Costata Romanesca') inoculated using either needle or squash bug nymphs during summer 2016. For each method, eight plants each were inoculated with S. marcescens strain P1 or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The experiment was repeated three times. Inoculated plants were grown in the field under a floating row cover to exclude insects. The row cover was removed at six weeks and plants were assessed at eight weeks. Phloem browning was observed in cross sections of the lower stem. Bacterial colonies characteristic of S. marcescens were isolated and identity was confirmed using PCR and strain-specific primers. Plants from Trial 1 died due to excessive squash bug feeding and heat after removal of row covers.