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Central Connecticut

I just found a split in the stem of my 1061 Pukos. This plant looks great. Is there any way to save it? The split is along the stem and starts just below the ground level. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...Chris

5/28/2002 5:48:14 PM

Commack, NY

not too much you can do...just try and keep it dry and it will heal.

5/28/2002 6:21:25 PM

Somewhere in North Carolina

AG growers are faced with a lot of problems. so far i have had good luck, knock on wood. i hope it heals and still produces a big one for you.

5/28/2002 6:35:35 PM

Liverpool , England

Yo Chris,
Read the posting 7 rows down from Ocrap...same thing as yours.

Alun

5/28/2002 7:54:30 PM

Central Connecticut

Thanks Alun...I read the posting. Do you usually cover it with dirt or do you keep it dry? I put captan on it and wrapped it with gauze bandage to keep the bug out...Chris

5/28/2002 9:18:47 PM

Deer Park WA

Big leason to learn here, support your plants at this delicate stage with styrofoam or whatever. The cool spring temps, and high winds combined with the plant trying to lay down, split/snap more stems than anything else.....

5/29/2002 12:21:52 AM

Stafford, Virginia

I just posted another view point/option further down the list (I think about 7 rows down) re same issue. Good luck!

5/29/2002 8:37:20 AM

Kuna, Id.

Read Stans post (922.5 Bites Dust) just above mine ocrap (Stem Split?). It talks about ways to avoid this.
Ken

5/29/2002 10:33:11 AM

Commack, NY

btw, stem splits dont always happen because of wind. two years ago i grew a 935 lloyd, it was still in the hoop house, no wind, no disturbances of any kind.....the stalk split from the ground up to the seed leaves. Sometimes there is nothign you can do to prevent it.

scott

5/29/2002 5:30:35 PM

Liverpool , England

Yo Scott and Chris,
Sometimes the split is due to too much nitrogen..it makes the stem soft and it then splits as it grows. I never put anything on it..I just let it dry out in the sun (sun! whatever that is). Only takes a day or so. but then again we don't have critters here that will climb inside. After it has dried I put soil back over it after packing it with a cottonwool ball.


Alun

5/29/2002 7:57:15 PM

Choctaw, OK

i think it has something to do with cell growth in the stem that makes it split, but i am not sure...just a guess. My 712 kuhn split the stem on me, inside the hoop house, it was closed so there was not any wind to speak of. IT split from ground level to the cots. The splitting makes the stem considerably weaker, so be careful and make sure the plant does not fall over and snap....my 712 fell over today, and i buried the split stump for added stability. I had this happen before and the stump eventually rotted off on me, but i still put out a 627.5 lber. The split stem does not affect growth of the plant too much in my opinion.

casey

case

5/29/2002 8:50:36 PM

Commack, NY

my thoughts exactly guys!

5/29/2002 9:33:25 PM

Central Connecticut

Thanks...That sounds promising...Chris

5/30/2002 7:49:18 AM