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Elizabeth, PA

Returned home from work early today and quickly looked at plants and noticed nothing strange. A few hours later I returned and noticed that every leaf on the second secondary from the stump had wilted to the point of no return. Didn't take any pics. Promptly removed entire vine back to the main. What if any disease could bring on such quick demise? Where I cut the vine appeared healthy. But about 8-10 ft out I found a soft section of vine. Could this just be rot that caused this vine to all of a sudden quit? Also first year grower with a close to 500# kin at 30 DAP on this plant so please only good news!!! Just kidding tell me the truth.

7/20/2016 5:18:34 PM

Bethlehem CT

You did the right thing with the vine. You should be all set.

It sounds like you got a good one going. Keep it up!

7/20/2016 10:21:26 PM

Central NY

Lol bma...fun ain't it?....I know it's getting hard to sleep now but you better get some rest...the fun is about to begin for you..best of luck!!!

7/20/2016 11:27:37 PM

Elizabeth, PA

Yea Porkchop fun!!! I took a walk down to the patch this morning before work and everything looked good so keeping fingers crossed it was just an issue with that one vine. My goal when I set out this year was 500# and to get one all the way to the end. So based on last nights measurements one goal accomplished. Trying to think positive thoughts!!! Ha!!!

7/21/2016 6:26:55 AM

Elizabeth, PA

So came home from work today to find a couple partially wilted leaves amongst the first 1 - 2 secondaries from the stump. One completely wilted. After cutting off the completed wilted leave the stalk appeared normal. It has been extremely hot and dry here for the last few days. I had planned on running over head sprinklers today because of the heat but forgot to hook the hose back up so aimlessly dumped water in the yard. After realizing my mistake I hooked hose back up and within 2 hours the leaves that had some wilt looked better although the edges were already fried. The vine yesterday all the leaves were burnt to a crisp. Have been putting down a total of about 100 gallons a day between 2 plants through drip tape. Definitely have a well drained patch with full sunlight all day and no shade structure of any kind. Is it possible that the plant if starving for water during the heat of the day could shut down flow to the older growth in order to feed kin and newer leaves. Also if it were disease would there not be a pattern to it spreading and why would nothing show up over night only during the day. Once again trying to stay positive in my thinking!!! Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

7/21/2016 6:27:26 PM

Connecticut

Many possible options scan through this document and see if there is anything that looks familiar.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Attachments/Leaf_Problems_Summer_2011.pdf

My initial thought is Phytophthora.

7/21/2016 11:03:08 PM

Elizabeth, PA

Thanks Matt, I've looked at that link at least 2 dozens times since the other day. My first inclination from your pics was the same thing. What has me puzzled is why it is occurring during the afternoon only. Checked again this a.m. and everything seemed fine. Even the wilted leaves from yesterday looked ok except the burnt edges. If it were disease would it not just continue to progress no matter the time of day. I have had a lot of sunburn issues this year but always occurred on new growth. Is it possible to get sunburn on older leaves? Once agin thanks!!! I have my overheads on today suppose to be mid 90's heat index today. I guess I'll see when I get home.

7/22/2016 7:20:21 AM

stoughton WI

did you check vine you cut off for svb

7/22/2016 12:23:19 PM

Elizabeth, PA

Well arrived home from work had a good storm go through this morning and ran overheads this afternoon and there appears to be no further wilting on any leafs and the ones from yesterday are back to normal except the crispy edges. Hopefully problem solved and it was simply a case of grower error. Was so worried about overwatering, thinking maybe I was severely under watering in this extreme heat!!! Keeping fingers crossed!!!

7/22/2016 3:51:15 PM

Connecticut

If the leaves are returning to "normal" it is a restriction in water flow issue and (luckily for you) not Phytopthora. I would check the vine for any SVB holes/entry points and keep up the watering. If you can apply your water directly to the ground that can also help reduce the amount that is lost to evaporation. Overheads are good for maintaining water levels but it can be difficult to get enough water to the plant this way. The leaves to channel it down the step to the vine where there should be a root but pumpkin roots run all over so it is a better idea to water the entire ground area in addition to what an overhead application can provide.

Sunburn can occur at any leaf stage, but it is most common on new leaves that are actively expanding.

You can always dig down in the soil to get an idea for how the moisture level is at the root zone. I am experimenting with soil moisture probes this year and during this time of year you can favor adding more water as this is the time of maximum demand on the plant.

7/22/2016 9:16:15 PM

Elizabeth, PA

Thanks again Matt, it's first thing Saturday morning and I just took a walk down and everything looks good so definitely going to up my water usage. I do most of my watering through drip tape which I also increased and have been using the overheads on hot days. Vines all look good no signs of any holes but I'll keep checking. The only thing I found on the vine I cut out was a small section of rot. Once again thanks to everyone that replied.

7/23/2016 7:06:57 AM

stoughton WI

did you cut open section of vine with rot to see if there was a svb grub inside.

7/23/2016 11:52:10 AM

Elizabeth, PA

No I did not but I will in the future. Thanks for the input!!!

7/23/2016 12:13:26 PM