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Omaha Nebraska

Hello hoping someone could give me some advice I am new to this page and relatively new to large pumpkin growing as a hobby. I have two dill Atlantic Giant plants that have both suffered the same disease. My 1st plant started about a month ago the leaves began to turn yellow right next to the stump and they would slowly turn completely brown then die off, that plant is almost completely dead now. My 2nd plant is now doing the same thing a month later. The dying originates from the stump and begins to spread right down the main vine. Any way to stop the spread? my pumpkin is currently about 150 lbs.

7/27/2022 11:13:17 AM

Omaha Nebraska

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cGL0KbX1wVqECbCCLc2M2TZYFPgWocjN?usp=sharing

Here is a link to some pictures. I dont have the best soil or growing environment but it seems odd almost like my plant is pre maturely dying.

7/27/2022 11:15:39 AM

Grittyville, WA

The pumpkin will suck the energy and nutrients out. I'd say make sure you arent over or under watering, a single drip line will overwater one area under the hose while under watering the rest of the soil. Thats where Id start your quest.

7/27/2022 11:30:18 AM

Grittyville, WA

Some magnesium could help the plants health, but almost certainly wont bump up your pumpkins growth rate.

Just my thoughts. Anyone is free to correct me.

7/27/2022 11:37:14 AM

Bethlehem CT

I don't think it is anything catastrophic, Cut off the brown leaves as close to the vine as possible. Then I would fertilize. Miracle grow will give the plant a quick boost and get it going, but I would also look to see you get a granular fertilizer broadcast along the vines. A good organic like Plant tone would work. I personally really like one called Pro grow 5-3-4 from North Country Organics. The company is in VT,perhaps it is near you. (if you are in Bennington VT)
One more tip for next year (it may be too late this year)
try to keep the plant as free from weeds for as long as possible. The weeds are in competition with the pumpkins for water, nutrients and most importantly sunlight. Good luck finishing out the season and welcome to the sport of giant pumpkin growing.. It can be addictive as I am sure your finding out.

7/27/2022 12:56:13 PM

Grittyville, WA

I worry dumping fertilizer on could cause an abort. The good thing about an under fertilized plant is it will invest in the pumpkin rather than the plant. I think the bloom booster or tomato version of miracle grow would have less chance of upsetting the pumpkin. Maybe a balanced fertilizer would help, idk. Standard miracle grow isnt ideally suited to growing the actual pumpkin or tomato itself, in my experience.

7/27/2022 2:18:01 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

I am also pretty new to large pumpkin growing and just about the same thing is happening to my Atlantic Giant. I posted a few days ago and got some pointers, but the plant seems to keep dying.

I hope you find out what the cause is. It might help me out too!

7/27/2022 9:02:33 PM

Roseville CA

Here is a helpful like that was recently shared by Porkchop: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Attachments/Leaf_Problems_Summer_2011.pdf

Not sure if it is any of those, did you fertilize at all since the start of the season? Also, what watering system are you using?

I am no expert, so if I am wrong please correct me :D

7/28/2022 12:13:49 AM

Syracuse, NY

My nickel's worth is either Downy Mildew or General Plant Stress from looking at that Disease Guide and I don't KNOW if the fertilizer is going to 'CORRECT' any issues that you SEE so far but it WILL have a positive effect on what is YET to grow and develop from here on out.
I hope that makes sense, as in 'you cannot un-fry an egg' or similar...
but go ahead and eat it, lol---
I am (no expert) also just echoing advice aforementioned and that's a nice pumpkin! G'luck---Eric G

7/28/2022 4:08:08 AM