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Germany

I had some leaf problems in my patch this year. To avoid similar problems in 2008 i will take any advice I can get from you. I ve posted some pictures in my diary (http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2007&grower=24007) and i am very interested in your opinions.(And please excuse my typing faults and my bad english)
Benny

10/28/2007 3:26:20 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Benny, I has similar problems get started in 2006. I thought it was mosaic brought in by cucumber beetles. It hit again early this year before the beetles showed up. I found out that I had root and vine rot problems caused by too much water. Both years, when the leaves started to look bad, the young pumpkins aborted and the bigger ones stopped growing. I don't know if that was your problem, but it is something to consider. I have started digging ditches to drain out my patch, and next year I will do a better job of pruning vines and using fungicides. I will also cut back on the watering.

10/28/2007 11:25:56 PM

Rhode Island

benny

only a couple of ways to be sure what is causing the problem

send a soil sample to a reliable lab and have it tested for the presence of disease. also a seperate test for ph,nutrient levels, etc, in your soil.

also is it possible you have a hard pan situation six or so inches below the surface. if so water can build up and not drain causing root rot and an other disease problems

we had this problem several years back and found that a sub soiler run thru the patch at 1 ft spacings - then again in the opposited direction, got the soil broken up and also allowed proper oxygen into the soil

pap

11/6/2007 8:39:44 AM

Rhode Island

ps a quick test for hard pan or poor drainage is to dig a hole 1 ft deep and 1 ft around. fill it full with water and see how long it takes to drain completely
if it takes longer than 50 minutes to drain completely you found part of the problem

11/6/2007 8:43:40 AM

Macomb County

read about PM at http://www.bigporchpumpkins.com/

4/3/2008 2:48:46 AM