From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Vancouver Washington

I have a friut that has just developed two big splits in the stem. They are big enough to allow me to put a screwdriver into the stem. IT hasn't really cracked out into the pumpkin, but i can press into the fruit behind the stem two or three inches before it touches anything solid.. When i poke around inside i feel solid fruit at about three inches in every direction.. It really doesn't seem to be into the cavity. Is there an air cavity behind the stem that is sealed from the center of the fruit, or am i dreaming? Either way there is a pretty big pocket of air behind the back of the stem. Any chance i can save this thing? Will post pics as soon as i can....

9/5/2006 7:40:55 PM

Vancouver Washington

Also...I sprayed some daconil in and on the split.... it runs out of the lower split... If i seal the splits and let it dry. It will trap air in there... I don't think caulk is allowed for our weigh off... Should i seal it with Captan or try to let it dry out... Or is it over for this one?

9/5/2006 7:51:24 PM

Ray, North Dakota

I had the same problem. This is my first year, and my biggest one split clear into the cavity. I also have my 2nd one in the patch doing the same thing, but not as severe.

Keep a fan on it, and it will heal over. Daconil is what I used, but keep air moving over it.

I also cut down on my water and fertilizer to slow down growth, and it seems to help. My current split is slowing down and getting hard. Check out my diary.

9/5/2006 8:37:04 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Do not Caulk it. Let it heal itself. If it becomes to much relieve the pressure by cutting the stem back towards the vine.

9/5/2006 10:00:27 PM

Vancouver Washington

ok....I will not seal it... Is the big airspace- 3inches in all directions - behind the stem (inside the pumpkin) normal? Then i have solid pumpkin, but it seems like a lot of air...And should i paste it with Captan...spray it with daconil...????

9/5/2006 10:21:43 PM

Vancouver Washington

Pics are posted.....let me know what you all think...I would be grateful to learn as much as i can... Thanks Jim....I will keep it open and try to let it dry...

9/5/2006 10:23:21 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I would paint it with the Captan and keep it dry.

9/6/2006 7:50:11 AM

caro mi.

i have had the stem split problem too . last year the same thing , slit right down the stem in 4 places , could see the ground looking thru stem...Istill managed 600 lbs. last year and around the same again , but cant help but wonder why its doing this ?...it has to be hurting my weights some ?..is my soil possible lacking something ?...any advice would be appreciated ......Dan

9/7/2006 8:18:27 PM