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PacificNW

I very much need help on this problem. First, for the past two years I have had an infestation of tiny, ½ to 1 inch millipedes. They hide out under walking boards, bricks and are in the soil. Also during this time I have noticed large tumors growing on the vine, usually at leaf nodes, where the vine has been buried. There are a few of these tumors along the vine, away from the nodes, but always along a buried segment. This year I noted the millipedes living in crevices in the tumors. See my grower diary under Lissemys for 5 pics of the tumors.

The leaves appeared healthy thru the entire season, got a bit brittle as usual in Sept and Oct. It appears that the roots at these nodes might have been affected by the tumors, that is, they didn’t appear to be as healthy as in the past and in some cases were missing altogether.

The soil testing was fairly normal, I just added a few amendments in the spring and again after leaf analysis. I used compost tea this year, but not last. Watered regularly, but not heavily.

What are the tumors? Are they a result of the millipedes? Or are the millipedes just there and they like to hang out around and eat vegetable matter in the soil? Should I try to exterminate the millipedes? This has our extension agent stumped, so I appreciate any and all help.

10/21/2010 8:31:05 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

I'm curious to know what the genetics are in the plant your growing.

10/21/2010 11:58:16 PM

Long Island,New York

millipedes eat pumpkin roots and the tumors are imho a response to the damage they are doing.

10/22/2010 8:22:54 AM

Long Island,New York

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=6&p=37411

just search " millipedes" in the search box for info

10/22/2010 8:27:00 AM

Ohio

Lissemys, just a guess here ,but I have had some similar growth like that before when I ether dont cut a secondary/ vine completely off flush with the vine its growing out of, or there is just extra growth (vine/leaves) that just starts growing under the soil after the vines are burried and it forms a big ball because it cant get out and find light, then once the growth dies under the soil it forms that way.

Your situation might be completely different so just throwing some ideas out there for you.

10/22/2010 8:28:19 AM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Do you have any actual pictures of this in the garden? I don't want to speculate whithout having a look at your growing conditions.

10/22/2010 10:33:43 AM

Corbin, KY

I think the tumors are from disease. Maybe Fusarium or Rhizoctonia. Then the millipedes are feeding on the rotten plant parts. http://www.gpnmag.com/Rhizoctonia-Rising-article5295

10/22/2010 12:42:17 PM

Decatur, IL

I agree with Tim. I've had major problems with Fusarium and I've had tumor-like symptoms on my vines and stems. I have a theory that the "tumors" are an overgrowth of healthy cells as a natural response to the diseased tissue.

10/22/2010 3:03:52 PM