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Mocksville, NC

On inspection of rotten stump, I broke off the stump at ground level in the chunk i has holding what is that foam inside? Any body!!! Had problems in this area before, i think i'm going to solarize it only in 800 sqft area.
Rog.

8/6/2006 7:58:16 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Rog,

It depeneds on how far along it is. If the foam is white & fairly fresh (no foul odor) then it is probably the resulkt of oxalic acid which is produced by Sclertotinia White Mold. If the damage is fairly old & smelly, then the vine may have gone down to Fusarium & the foam is more akin to fermentation.

It would be a very good idea to have a pathological test done on the dead stuff QUICKLY! If you've already yanked all the vines, then fetch a diseased portion & get it into the refrigerator so it stays somewhat fresh. The test is free at the cooperative extension which you have available thriough the UNC. Call them first thing Monday.

http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantpath/extension/commodities/cucurbits.html

NCSU Department of Plant Pathology | 3419 Gardner Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7616

Call information for their number since I can't find it at the website.

Once you know the cause you can better prepare yourself to prevent it next year.

8/6/2006 8:57:37 AM

Mocksville, NC

Thanks Steve, yes old, and smelly, and fermentation looking
yeah id say fusarium, had some big max in that location some years back, that did the same thing.
I have the sample, and will send to Raleigh,NC.

I wont be useing this patch next year or for awhile will treat, and solarize for a couple years i'm clearing land for expanded patches, will take some time to soil in shape, but then i will be able to rotate the patches, and let some rest.
Thank you, Steve (Tremor).Rog

8/6/2006 5:22:33 PM