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Indiana

The main vine busted/split open a foot from the end. Its not a long split but it is at least half the diameter of it. What do I do?

6/18/2013 2:46:15 PM

43.841677 , -79.086692

Don't go right ahead and do this.. Wait for other to weigh in but I'd cut it and train the last secondary before it as the new main.

6/18/2013 4:59:01 PM

South Hero, VT

Split lengthwise or crosswise? Both are repairable(is this a word?.

Can you give us a picture?

6/18/2013 6:20:27 PM

43.841677 , -79.086692

he says half the diameter so i assume its cross the grain.

6/18/2013 6:57:38 PM

Indiana

Its crossways and I will try to get a pic of it

6/18/2013 7:37:55 PM

South Hero, VT

Across the grain CAN be saved. This problem has been discussed on this website every year for at least the past 6 years.

I've used tongue depressors and duct tape to splint the crack after spraying with Daconil and dusting with sulfur(overkill?).

Or you can train the last secondary, which may produce a larger pumpkin. I only splinted a break once.

6/18/2013 8:40:47 PM

Indiana

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiarySubmitFinished.asp?eid=200770

here is a pic in my diary

6/18/2013 8:44:33 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

This early in the season I would train a secondary to be the main...That is a break not a split

6/18/2013 9:08:33 PM

Indiana

linus van pelt, not sure exactly what you mean. this is my first attempt at growing a large pumpkin so i"m kind of stupid at some of this.

6/18/2013 9:16:20 PM

The bottom of New Jersey

You're not going to be able to repair that very well - cut the broken part off at the node right before the break and train the secondary vine there to become your new main. It will take off and in a week you'll forget all about it.

6/18/2013 9:32:54 PM

Indiana

i think i understand what to do now, thank all of you for your help and advise. By the way what would cause this to happen?

6/18/2013 9:44:52 PM

South Hero, VT

That is definitely beyond repair. Follow above instructions for training secondary vine.

It's possible to get a good sized fruit from a secondary, so don't give up.

6/19/2013 7:43:13 AM

43.841677 , -79.086692

I will point out that the secondary will become as good as the original main. The difference being that your pollination may be delayed a week or 2. No idea what caused that. That leaf in the picture is real dark for a new leaf. Maybe you have high N making the vines stiff. A little wind bouncing a crispy vine up and down could cause splits like that.

6/19/2013 9:25:57 AM