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Williamsburg,KY

Today I noticed some white looking stuff on my vines. It almost looks like some one had put paint on the vine. Like a glob of white paint, I didnt touch it. I have never seem this before. It is not on the leaves just on the vine..any idea what it could be or what to do?

7/24/2005 10:11:11 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Oh Oh....Is it a white foam? If so, you might have Sclerotinia Stem Rot which is more often called "White Mold".

See:

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/cucurbit/stem/21.1.html

This image is of a plant that is very far along & yours won't look like this in the field if the vine hasn't yet gone down.

7/24/2005 10:51:09 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

If you do have Sclerotinia then the best fungicide is Vinclozolin.

7/24/2005 10:51:57 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

How much of it is there? I don't suppose it could just be well-aimed bird poop?

7/25/2005 2:49:51 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Wish it was just bird poop..dont think so. It does look like foam. Guess once the dew drives this am, gonna cut the whole vine out and burn it. This particular plant has only one small pumpkin on it and tons of leaves. We've had hot weather and lots of rain and we were gone a week and perhaps ideal conditions for any mold type to grow. My other plants look great and each plant (the other 4) have nice pumpkins on them measuring 70" in circumfrence. Im just growing for fun. Unless I get a big'n and will take it to Tennesee for a weigh off. thanks any more ideas? GUess it would be ok just to cut it out.

7/25/2005 7:57:00 AM

Long Island,New York

Here's an idea....take a sample to get analyzed and then treat your other plants for it. Even if they don't have it its worth preventing.

7/25/2005 5:09:40 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Glenn is 100% correct. DO NOT burn the plant parts. Get some sections to your local agriculture experiment station for a positive diagnosis. Burn the rest after the lab has the needed sample.

7/25/2005 8:35:48 PM

Williamsburg,KY

I checked the plants today and the white stuff is turning black. I havent done anything yet except use 1 tbl of baking soda and gallon of water. I guess I could take a sample to the extension agent and see what he can do..good idea. I use grass clippings as mulch, sometimes on my lawn I see like a white mold on the grass, could I have infected my patch? I call my agent and see what he says and let ya all know. Im not sure how to take a sample, its on my main vine about a foot from the stump, but also on a small leaf and on the mulch. thanks everyone.

7/26/2005 12:33:35 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Sclerotinia does infect turfgrass & when it does it is called "Dollar Spot". The causal pathogen in the case of turf is Sclerotinia homeocarpa. Pumpkins are infected by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. I cannot say with certainty if the two coexist or cross hosts. I doubt it but would like to know more.

7/26/2005 5:33:45 PM

Williamsburg,KY

I havent been able to contact my extension agent but will try and see what he says about cross hosting with the Sclerontinia..I havent done much with the white stuff but spray some baking soda mixed with water on it. We've had rain, probably perfect for it to spread. Im not growing for competion this year, just fun, but I still want to find out. thanks for everyone advise and help.

7/29/2005 8:26:58 PM