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fairfield connecticut

About two weeks ago the ends of the vines (2-3ft) snaped off. All ends. and the vine burst open in three sections (6-12in.). Now it seems that where some of the leaves meet the vine is swelling up and bustin open.All openings are wet and mushy. I used a can of captan trying to repair damage.no borers found. Any ideas? There is a nice pumpkin on this plant I would like to try to save it if I can.

8/1/2002 7:33:27 PM

Kennett Square, PA

I had this problem earlier in the year. I thought it was my children carelessly stepping on the ends of the shoots. For no reason my vines would make 90 degree turns and in doing so burst at the turn. Absolutely clean breaks. Now that I have more than a few vines and keepers I haven't seen this problem. As the vines begin to slow and the fruit takes off this will stop. Watch your fertilizing combination and keep it more toward potassium this time of year and less nitrogen and phosphorus.

8/3/2002 8:07:57 PM