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http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=194232
what causes pumpkins to shrivel up and die before they mature? I have this happen too but usually on field pumpkins and they dont mature until at least 20 feet. Any answers would be appreciated.
Thanks

2/22/2013 3:01:37 PM

Frankfort Ohio

Fuserium and or Yellow Vine DZZZZZZZzzzz

2/22/2013 5:01:29 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

If he is able to get a pumpkin set further out on the vine it is most likey a nutrient issue, or heat preventing proper fertilization of the female

2/22/2013 5:56:00 PM

Muddy Waters

Whats the high & low temps on these days?

2/22/2013 6:23:57 PM

Ohio

had something similar happen like that, figured it was to hot and the soil just was not holding enough moisture.

2/22/2013 7:18:32 PM

Connecticut

In short, I would really like to know what is going on and I have asked many people and growers for their opinions and no one has come up with the answer (yet).

In my case there is no disease, and the tissue test shows nutrient levels better than I have seen in my grown field pumpkins. (The lab as a little shocked when I called) The high temp is typically around 85-F and the low is around 70-F. Light has been supplemented to be an extended day of 15-hr. in length total.

My latest guess is elevated nitrogen levels and as I result I have been purposely over-watering to increase the odds of leaching. Normal watering is through drip irrigation matching the rate I provide in the field.

If anyone has any ideas feel free to post them.

2/22/2013 8:48:32 PM

Ma.

Matt,have you tried root pruning?

2/22/2013 9:25:36 PM

Connecticut

I have done some root and shoot pruning. The idea behind this is that the plants are under little stress and happy to just keep growing vines. Still no conclusive results but with the impressive vine growth I feel I can afford to do some pruning and not hurt my overall project.

2/22/2013 10:01:55 PM

west central IN/East central IL

Temps. in the upper 70's at night can be a possible cause: Makes me wonder how long would be considered too long in upper 70's?, humidity levels too high could add stress too. The possibility of high nitrogen sounds like something to check. Could it be a maturity thing, Matt? I've noticed this for years and wonder is it just natural like miscarriages, which in humans can be around 30%. I know with miscarriages the egg is already fertilized, but could be something to that effect. Just thinking sometimes i do too much of that. I hope you get it going Matt.

2/22/2013 11:15:42 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Could be IMO a sink dessication response to excessive canopy respiration.

Occurs during high temps with low relative humidity.

2/23/2013 10:20:41 PM

Connecticut

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I have already made temperature adjustments lower. I did have this same problem with lower temperatures but I am hopeful if I slowly lower the temperatures overtime I can find the greenhouse sweet spot (if there is one) before spring.

I know I am making a difference because the Powdery Mildew pressure has certainly increased. Since I have looked at all the fine details my guess is the answer is obvious or a basic factor that I am over looking. Temperature fluctuation was the first one on my list to try since I know the problem is across all plants.

Stay tuned for diary updates, sorry they are not "live" updates but I am trying to tell a story and not just be reactive.

2/24/2013 6:28:49 PM