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The main vine has split just above where it has emerged from the ground. It split lengthwise (with the direction of the vine and not across). It split in three places, on two sides and on top. I can actually see into the vine through one split. This occured 6 days ago. I have applied a thick captan paste and let a fan run on it 24/7. The splits have not yet "scabbed over", but the plant remains vigorous and the stump still feels very solid. Should I continue to keep it dry and above ground or should I bury the vine and hope for the best? Before I posted this message I tried to read through any previous messages about vine splits, but most of those seemed to occur further down the vine. I know there's some experienced growers out there who could offer some good advice. Thanks in advance. Tony

6/14/2006 9:20:29 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

Not the most experienced grower by a long shot but my mom had one that split at the stalk a few weeks ago when the plant was still fairly small. I covered that portion with soil and it is doing very well now.

6/14/2006 9:52:33 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

I had one do the same thing last year. The main was going straight up and when it layed down it split. I just left it alone and let it grow. No treatment, no burying, no nothing. It had one pumpkin that blew up in early August at around 360 pounds, and had one that set in mid August that went 398. It was my entry after everything else went bad in the 90 degree September heat. I wouldn't give up on it yet, and I wouldn't bury it either.

6/14/2006 10:37:21 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Get out the ax or the chainsaw...LOL...just kiddin!!! Have been told over and over that the best judge of what is happening in my patch are my eyes...if it looks like it is doing well, it probably is!!! Seems like you are already doing the proper preventative measures, fungi, air, etc. Keep an eye on it and... Grow 'em BIG!!!!! Peace, Wayne

6/14/2006 10:47:40 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Tony:
In that case I would NOT bury the vine. Keep it high and dry, at least in the area of the split.
Frank

6/15/2006 6:55:50 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

It will heal up okay. Keep it uncovered until the area dries up & heals over, then bury it. It sounds like you have it looked after okay though. Good luck.

Phil

6/15/2006 9:49:08 AM

Rhode Island

tony

i would not reccommend putting a captan paste on anything. the paste will dry during the day but, at night or during humid periods get all west and soft again.

i would instead make a captan water solution and just spray it on every couple days.

the main should dry up and pose no further problem
also, after the splits dry cover with soil until beetle and boarer period has passed - then uncover main again.

pap

6/15/2006 4:02:48 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

my 603 split weeks ago right at the stump (3 inches from the ground). I did nothing except prune some leaves off of the stump area and pushed soil up around but not over the main to support it The plant is growing like mad. It is my second out of four with a female forming on the main.

6/17/2006 2:42:37 AM

Ok, Thanks for the advice. I will continue to keep it dry and above ground for now. Tony

6/17/2006 8:08:13 AM

Pennsylvania

3 weeks ago one of my plants created a deep tear length wise on the stump which I could also see the cavity (about 3") long.

Cleaned it with peroxide and pack it with melted grafting wax using a popsicle stick. It is doing awesome. I just check it often and smear more wax if needed. I estimate that the main has grown 8'since with many 4+foot secondaries. I hope this helps you!

6/23/2006 12:06:43 AM