From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Clearwater, FL

It appears, based on my research, that the patch located in sunny Florida has developed Gummy Stem Blight Disease. I'm not interested how or why. I understand that it is not going to be eradicated this season. My question posed to you is this... How do I manage the disease so that I have a chance at producing a pumpkin? The chances of having a diseased, or black rot pumpkin are pretty good.

I am currently using a couple of different fungicides to curb the spore spread of the disease, one of which is Monsoon (applying every 7-10 days). Also using Actinovate. I stopped any other kind of foliar applications at the onset of Gummy Stem Blight Disease. Never did any overhead watering, and and am using drip irrigation. I have a misting system in place, but obviously cannot use it with the disease and only misted approx. 4 times at 5 minute intervals prior to the onset of the disease.

I have been pruning infected leaves, applying Captan fungicide, and disposing the leaves. Not sure if I should be partially pruning the leaves (infected part only) to perpetuate photosynthesis, or allow the leaves to remain in the patch.
Any experience with disease management in this area would be greatly appreciated. I've also emailed my County extension agent, but I know there's more knowledge in the BigPumps arena.

6/5/2011 9:00:32 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Phil, little knowledge here...best advice I could give would be to call Tom P!!! Go to extremepumpkinstore.com & look for the phone #, call tom & talk!!! Hope this helps!!! Peace, Wayne

6/7/2011 2:19:16 AM

Monsoon should be the correct fungicide to use for gummy stem. You will need to alternate it with other classes of fungicides.

6/7/2011 8:14:24 PM

Clearwater, FL

Thanks for your help. I have some Echo arriving soon and will alternate the fungicides, and maintain my present regiment.

6/9/2011 7:51:21 PM