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Easthampton, MA

I've had some squash vine borers flying around my plant lately, and sure enough, I found them in the base of the stump. I saw a soft spot and decided to clean it out - I found a clay sculpting tool very effective for this. As I probed, I found that the stem was quite hollowed out and I fished out 5 large SVB larva. :(

So I cleaned out the entire section of the stem as best I could and now it is basically a hollow section maybe 4-5" long, with several openings to it. (There were other soft areas I discovered as I cleaned it.) Much of the area around it has a solid wall however, as the stump area is quite thick at this point. I've pulled all the soil away from the area including the underside to give it good air flow.

I plan on keeping it dry from now on, but, not surprisingly, I'm worried about rot setting in. (I can't put a fan on it, as it is too far from the house.) I have a can of Bordeaux (copper sulfate) in the garage, and I wondered if you can treat a stem to prevent rot with it? It's an 'old school' product, but if it works and I can avoid buying something... Of course, it's really intended for PM treatment.

I was thinking I could blow in a little dust to coat the inside?

I've looked hard for information on this possible use and can't find anything yay or nay.

I'll be going out and getting a systemic insecticide to start using, since I suspect other areas are/will be infested. (I understand about bee protection so flower management will be the next step.) So if I have to use something else, I can pick it up. (Do they sell sulfur in local hardware stores?)

Thoughts? :)

7/22/2014 5:48:34 PM

Springfield, VT

Yes, it will work on the diseases just don't mix with other chemicals. A fan is really needed for drying the stem if there is rot.

I have used copper Hydroxide in the past and it has done the job. My current go to is Daconil (chlorithinol) straight out of the bottle with a paint brush

7/23/2014 11:53:40 AM

Easthampton, MA

Thanks for the info. :) I went out today and did surgery on the affected areas. Three spots near the stump, but the worst was right near the soil line. I cut away all the soft areas and wiped it down with some diluted iodine. Then I dried it off very well with paper towels.

It's open to the sun right now, and I will be erecting a wide tent over the area. (Storms later today.) I'm heading down to the hardware store in a little bit to see if I can get some imadacloprid to stem the tide of this scourge. (Found another stem that was just infected - tiny first instar larva.)

It's my first attempt at a giant and holy wow, I'm worried about all sorts of things. ;) SVB, cucumber beetles, yellow vine, stem rot, proper fertilization, etc. *grin* Such a learning experience. Glad to have such a good site to learn from.

I may start diary so people can see my woes. ;)

7/23/2014 12:03:36 PM

Central Illinois

they are not great fans ,put they make solar fans you attach to your car window to vent it while parked, maybe one of those would help a little bit.

At one time you could buy 12 volt fans to install in truck cabs they look just like a desk fan.I used one on my forklift and it lasted for several years with daily use, and had good air output

7/25/2014 9:03:41 AM