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I noticed a hole on the main stalk of my plant. It is about 4 inches above the ground and I can see directly into the hole. I have been spraying with sevin. I dont see any vine borers and dont know if it may be in the plant. My question is what should I do about the hole. Should I leave it alone, or try to patch it with something? Thanks, Tony

6/21/2004 7:52:56 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Does it look like there is green sawdust stuff "Frass" around the hole? If so I would carefully take a razor blade and cut lengthwise down the vine, and get the borer out. Your other option is find some stuff called "BT" Bacillus thuringiensis and inject it into the vine. This will kill the grub that is slowly eating your vine. If it is in there and not removed. One day you will look out and the leaves will have wilted, and the base of the plant will have died.

6/22/2004 6:04:00 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

This is the stage in insect growth where a systemic insectide like Merit/Admire/etc would bail us out of trouble. But we haven't the time to do this now.

Bt will do a nice job if you can deliver it soon enough.

A hypodermic needle with some permethrin can also kill the bugger if you can't find Bt.

An old timer would use a fine piece of wire & poke it directly or pull it out.

6/22/2004 7:21:40 AM

Thanks for the input. I have posted a picture in my grower diary. I was told that the hole didn't look like a vine borer, and that is was probably from a mouse or rabbit.

6/22/2004 6:09:57 PM