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Carman Manitoba

I have a bad case of virus on one of my pumpkins. Most of the new leaves are sick. The older leaves seem ok. should I cut all the new vines and leaves off? I have pumpkin growing at 9 ft. 2 other plants don,t seem too bad. Or should I just call it a day and go fishing?. Its on the Freak. And we were off to a great start. Maybe I shoulk remove it and try to save the other two? What do you say?

6/27/2012 10:44:38 PM

Connecticut

Hi Wink-

Typically once you see virus symptoms on the new growth if you look very carefully at the pumpkin it will have a slightly bumpy look to it in a random, birth mark like style. You can try removing the sick leaves and vines but the virus has probably already started spreading to other parts of the plant. New or actively growing plant regions should exhibit the greatest changes as these are the most active areas of DNA synthesis. (Remember viruses are basically non-living particles that alter gene expression.)

Now my personal suggestion is to remove all infected plants from the patch. As insects feed they can pick-up the virus and re-inoculate your plants and/or others in the area.

Again, this is only my opinion but rip the plants out, take a good shower to rid yourself of carrying potential virus particles, then go fishing. I know this is not easy to do but it is probably the 'best' option at reduce the chance of occurrence in the future.

If possible, can you post some pictures?

6/27/2012 10:58:07 PM

Muddy Waters

I like the go fishing part.If the Kin Cave goes to hell in this heat thats where I will be.Lake Michigan Salmon are running early this year.

6/30/2012 10:47:44 PM