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Nova Scotia

Hi
This is my first year with cucumber beetles. I think I have some bacterial wilt going on. I sprayed with Sevin and controlled the beetles. Any suggestions on the wilt. I do not like what I am reading on google...very worried my patch is done for.

6/30/2012 9:24:36 PM

Connecticut

Hi Lois-

    Do you have pictures you can post? Hard part with bacterial wilt is the fungicides do not work as they only work on fungus. Copper is the only decent bactericide but watch for possible interactions with other products you have applied.

    Proper diagnosis is the first step to developing a proper method of control.

6/30/2012 9:43:40 PM

Nova Scotia

I just put up a pic on the growers diary
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiarySubmitFinished.asp?eid=182521

Let me know what you think.

7/1/2012 9:59:20 AM

Connecticut

Hi Lois-

Looking at the picture you posted it could be a number of things so I need more information…

1.)     When did this occur?

2.)    How quick is it spreading?

3.)    One plant or are multiple plants showing this problem?

4.)    Old and/or new growth showing problem?

5.)    What have you applied recently to the pumpkin plants?

6.)    Can you provide more pictures of the sick plant?

7.)    When is the last time a soil test was taken? (and what was the pH?)

8.)    What do the leaf stalks look like?

9.)    What is the condition of the main stump / crown area?

10.)    How do the vines look?

As you can tell, your picture does not fit any problem exactly so I have to start from a broad stand point to try and pin-point the potential cause.

7/1/2012 10:22:20 PM

Nova Scotia

Hi Matt
This started 2 weeks ago. There were small holes in leaves but leaves were very healthy (my best year ever!) I thought it was the slugs and put out slug food around the plants and oyster shells.
In the mean time about 1 week ago, I did use some compost tea (worm castings, molasses and fish/sea weed) on the leaves and plants. Five days ago, no improvement in holes and some browning noted, I used Neem Oil (water, soap and oil). A day later is the first time I have ever seen Cucumber beetles in my patch. I sprayed with Oil again because it was evening and I had nothing else. On Saturday past I sprayed with Sevin and now all beetles are dead (should have did this in the first place). I have never had to spray with anything before and this is the first time I used compost tea and Need oil.
Ph of soil as of April was 6.4. Leaf stalks and vines in excellent health. This shriveling and browning of leaves is slow. I have it in all plants. I cut off one of the leaves and the fluid is clear.
I have only had to use Nitrogen granules to date. No other sprays.
Check out the pictures on my grower’s diary.
Let me know if you need more. I really appreciate all the help I can get.
Lois

7/2/2012 9:22:58 AM

Long Island,New York

looks like spray injury. dont spray the tips or first couple leaves on the vines for a while...see if new leaves look that way. I'm guessing not.

7/2/2012 3:52:53 PM

Nova Scotia

Will the plant still continue to grow? There are alot of leaves turning brown and shriveling.

7/2/2012 4:10:22 PM

Connecticut

I agree with LIpumpkin looks like spray damage to me and your description also favors spray damage, and I would also add a little sun burn.

The plant will continue to grow but watch what and where you spray the plant and if you can provide some mid-day cooling via misting or shade I think this would solve your problem.

The brown you are seeing now is most likely residual damage so there may be a little lag time before the plant starts to recover.

7/2/2012 8:55:30 PM

Nova Scotia

How often do you suggest to spray? I used 5 mls of Sevin to 1 liter of water. Too much? Do you think the compost tea or Neem oil reacted with the Sevin?
Thank you both for your help.
I was worried my season was over. Just looking tonight, 4 of the plants have female and male flowers on them. New growth is looking very good tonight.

7/2/2012 9:21:04 PM

Connecticut

Lois-

A typical spray interval is 7-10 days. As far as a dilution rate read the label, but Sevin and Neem oil do have a tendency to burn leaves. So, try and time your sprays in the evening and also if there is a cool spell in the weather forecast if possible. Also, to reduce the chance of burn apply only one product at a time and mix the tank as you apply in case there was some settling to ensure consistent dilution during application.

7/3/2012 8:23:45 AM

Nova Scotia

Thanks for all the good advice. It is appreciated.
Have a good growing season, hope you get the big one.
Lois

7/3/2012 9:30:31 AM