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Western PA

I have a fruit on and it is 10 days old today. I underestimated it's rate of growth these past few days and when checking on it found there to be a few length wise splits on the surface of the stem and one by where the stem meets up with the fruit.

I cleaned it with alcohol and applied captan.

This was caused by stem stress which I have relived most of. Has anybody had much luck with getting early stem split pumpkin through the season.

I would assume I would be best off culling it and keeping the next one down the line, which is in a good position.

7/2/2009 5:58:03 PM

milford, CT,

Pumpkin Picker..Don't give up on that fruit..if the splits are superficial it is a sign of a vigorous growing pumpkin. Also you have to examine the length/angle of the stem..shape of the pumpkin and start tracking benchmark growth..day 10..20..etc. In a few weeks you will have to chose the final fruit and you want some data to compare on same day performance. A few superficial splits in the stem are not a bad sign..if they are all the way to the core that is different...Mark

7/3/2009 11:32:57 AM

milford, CT,

P.S. My 1246 had a massive stem split early and survived well..just make sure to keep it very dry...Captan Paste once a week...if the split is inside go purchase a small fan to ensure it is kept that way..Mark

7/3/2009 11:35:26 AM

Sharon, MA

Back in 2005, I had a main split lengthwise 4 ft out, and grew a 1214 pounder about 12 ft out. Kept the split dry, by covering it with a 12 x 12 inch piece of plexiglas plastic, mounted on (4) 8 inch legs.
Hope this helps.
-steve

7/3/2009 8:39:38 PM