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Ct

Fruit at DAP 16, developed a spot about 4 inches below stem but not quite under the pumpkin. Spot started to ooze the clear jelly like droplets. Had cleaned area two days ago, checked for SVB (found none), painted with daconil. Today still oozing. Is that the pumpkin trying to heal itself? Or is it bad news? Got to re-clean and dry today. Other ideas?

7/28/2013 12:34:31 PM

Connecticut

I personally do not like adding a product that hinds the problem from view. I prefer to add a peroxide type product that dries, is clear and allows for constant inspection and reapplication if necessary. The addition of an umbrella to keep the area dry is a good idea as well as a small fan.

Pictures would also be beneficial, but it does sound like the pumpkin is attempting to heal itself over. My concern would be since the pumpkin is at Day 16 and that if it does heal itself it is going to be a scar tissue area that is not as likely to be able to stretch as the pumpkin swells and it could lead to problems later on.

To your advantage is this is occurring on the stem side of the pumpkin which tends to be the thickest so there is the greatest amount of pumpkin flesh giving you the most material to work with before a season ending split. It is basically a roll of the dice.

7/28/2013 11:11:31 PM

Ct

Thanks Matt. Good advice as usual. Good picture available here:
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=7293&gid=1
It's shaded and keeping it dry.

7/30/2013 7:06:15 PM

Connecticut

Interesting lesion on the pumpkin. As of right now I would stick with my original recommendations unless you have an update to report (good or bad). The pumpkin is at a good stage of development to heal itself if this is possible.

Hopefully it is an external problem that you can control. If it is internal than there is not much you can do, but it sounds like you are in the very least putting the odds in your favor.

7/31/2013 12:53:33 AM

Ct

Well the oozing stopped. But lesion spread somewhat. Took Matt's advise and cleaned with peroxide and added a fan to dry it. Keeping hopes up. It's still growing.

8/2/2013 9:52:20 PM