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Williamsburg,KY

After reading Zemmie's message, Im almost afraid to ask, but here goes. I have sprayed my fungicide diligently and I believe I may have some powdery mildew. I have been using Soap Shield 7-10 days, weather permitting and after rain. If someone could, take a look and let me know what you might think? http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=92491
I really appreciate everyones time. If this is PM, perhaps I should consider another product to use. Thanks so much. Croley Bend

8/7/2008 8:51:24 AM

Edinburg Va.

Could it be spray residue?

8/7/2008 9:12:59 AM

Williamsburg,KY

No, I just got in from the patch 950am to check and it is on the underside of the leaf also. So I guess its pm.

8/7/2008 9:50:35 AM

Decatur, IL

I looked at some of your other entries. Judging from the stem rot issues and symptoms shown on on some of your leaves, I'm afraid you might have a Fusarium problem. Do you have any signs of rot on any of the vines or leaf stalks? I hope I'm wrong, but if it's Fusarium, there's not a lot you can do to control it. I'd advise you to send some tissue samples to a lab for identification. If they find Fusarium, they'll probably advise you to not grow pumpkins in that area for a number of years. There are really no effective chemical controls. I've used the University of Illinois's and Purdue University's plant clinics in the past. Good luck, Charlie

8/7/2008 9:54:32 AM

Decatur, IL

If the white stuff showing on your leaves isn't spray residue, then you probably have some PM, but I still think you should check for Fusarium.

8/7/2008 10:05:44 AM

Cincinnati,OH

The pic you posted a link to looks like PM to me. I use Ortho's garden disease control and Soap Shield in rotation.
If you only spray the tops of the leaves you will only have 50% coverage.
Growing in the grass will increase your chance for fusarium because the bottom of the stalks never dry out

8/7/2008 10:30:30 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Im pretty sure it is not Fusarium. Altho I havent checked the vines and leaf stalks closely, but from just looking they all look fine. We live on the Cumberland River and fog just about every morning and with the fog any and every disease comes in. Ive kept up with my spray program and Im hoping today to call my Extention Agent and have him make a house call. Dont know if they do this. I do have a tendancy to worry too much, but I really want a big one this year. The only problem with my pumpkin is the one with the stem issue, but that has not gotten any worse and not other rot problems. I really do appreciate your time to answer and help me out. I will let you know if I can get the agent here and in the meantime, I guess I'll just have to ride it out. Humidity is high today and possible rain, so I best stay out of the patch, there is still dew on the ground. Thanks guys. Croley Bend

8/7/2008 10:33:58 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

That is the start of Powdery Mildew especially under that leaf there. This would seem to imply that the last critical fungicide application might have been more "over the top" than "up to the bottoms from below".

PM fungicides must be sprayed onto the leaf bottoms to be effective.

8/7/2008 2:10:39 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

I use Diathane for PM it seems to work, so far!

8/7/2008 2:50:21 PM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

That does look like PM Stevann. I'm guessing the PM on top of the leaf actually came from the bottom of the leaf that overhangs on it some and then spread from there. Notice how the part of the leaf that is under the other one is where it is the wrost. I'd spray those leaves with a good contact fungicide then remove them and any other leaves that are overlaped. Then after you've finished any pruning make sure you get good coverage, tops and bottoms, on the rest of the plant with the contact killer.

8/7/2008 5:27:11 PM

South East

Its pm without a doubt, maybe with the soap you can use daconil to slow down the spreading. its to late to stop it.
daconil is availabe a lows.

8/7/2008 7:28:23 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks so much for everyones advise, commments and help. I will be searching for some stronger stuff. Tremor, I guess I missed the bottoms of the leaves, wont do that again. Tomorrow the Extension Agent will come over and Im sure will confirm what for Im sure is PM, thanks to you all. We dont have a Lowes here but we do have a farm store that may carry some daconil. I will be calling to be sure. Also if we have no rain tomorrow I will be in the patch. Will let you know what the agent's comments are, thanks again everyone for your time. Croley Bend aka Stevann

8/7/2008 11:11:20 PM

Williamsburg,KY

The Agent came out yesterday and confirmed it was Downy Mildew or what they call here Blue Mold. Its the same disease that attacks the tobacco plants. I spent a good part of the day working on the patch and opening it up for better air flow. Crab grass kinda took over and was easy to pull. It was a beautiful day yesterday and a little windy and removing old leaves and tall crab grass really made a difference. So this am I will be spraying the undersides. As if thats not enough, I noticed a stump on one plant is foaming....does it ever end. Guess that plant is done, that ok, its not my big one. So thanks everyone for your advise and time..Croley Bend

8/9/2008 8:18:22 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Forgot to say, the Agent said it was Downy because of the spots, powdery mildew would look more like powder on the leaf, not in spots, which mine is. He also said that the Soap Shield would work but did suggest something stronger.

8/9/2008 8:27:03 AM

Long Island,New York

Croley Bend....do yourself a favor and use a product that cures and protects against powdery mildew and downey (I guess...lol). That way your extention agent doesn't look bad, and your plants will get the protection they need, and I won't get hate mail for sounding like I think I know more than your agent....or will I anyway?

8/9/2008 10:48:41 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks LI, you wont get any hate mail from me. So what product do you suggest? I just used what I had on hand. I figured something was better than nothing. I would like your input.

8/9/2008 8:39:55 PM

Long Island,New York

Ortho has a garden disease control product....formerly known as daconil that is the backbone of the fungiside programs. I use it every other week rotated with NOVA (or eagle) every other week. Use daconil at least...but strive to find the other so you can rotate every week.

8/9/2008 10:22:41 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

You can buy immunox at home depot or lowes. It has same ai as eagle. 2 tbsp per gallon. 1 tbsp of daconil per gallon (30% ai).

8/9/2008 10:48:42 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Ok, I guess I know all I need to know now. If only we had a home depot(60 miles away) or lowes close by. But I will do what I can. Thanks again LI and Jordan. Croley Bend

8/10/2008 8:55:49 AM