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Cameron

A question for the experienced growers. I've got some broken leaves & there is usually water in the bottom of the stem. Is this an indication of too much watering or what? Can someone explain why it's there & if it's a problem? Thanks.

Phil & Jane

7/23/2013 3:16:16 PM

South of Buffalo

If the tubules of the stalk crack for whatever reason they will leak water inside the stalk filling up the bottom. You don't notice it until you cut off the leaf and see the water.

7/23/2013 3:49:56 PM

ive noticed if remove healthy leaf say its rubbing pumpkin or need it for tissue test or its just in the way, even old ones by stump i cut to get air and sun theres no water
the cracked, broken, damaged ones have water or in some cases diseased stalked like fusaruim (brown stalk)at vine stalk area will have water

7/23/2013 5:52:19 PM

43.841677 , -79.086692

I feel a little awkward giving the hunts advise. They certainly know more than I ever will but I have experienced this so ill offer my take.
This happened to me in 2010 and 2011 and in my case was a biproduct of too much N. It would start out as bigger than life leaves that would develop a leathery texture over time. By this time of year the palm of the leaf would develop a calised area. This would eventually split and work it's way down the stalk eventually letting water in and rotting out the stalk where it connects to the vine.

7/23/2013 10:32:37 PM

Bethlehem CT

I don't think it's from too much water as I seem to still notice it when it is very dry, and I haven't watered. Like Don said it's just in the broken stems. I cut them off as My feeling is that it may predispose the plant to rot.

7/23/2013 10:48:24 PM

Lodi, California

when i've taken off my leaves i have noticed a bit of a water build up in the stock. I do happen to have pretty high N so maybe Chris is right about the N.

7/23/2013 11:34:24 PM

Corbin, KY

I think the water is a precursor of the brown stalk. I know every one I have ever cut off has had water in them.

7/24/2013 10:23:36 AM

Connecticut

My personal opinion is that I want to see water in the leaf stalk as this tends to indicate sufficient hydration of the plant. The important note is that the water should be clear. The tea colored water is an indication of fussarium but I believe the water stared clear and then the fussarium replicated in the water and turns the water an off color.

If the water is clear and originates from the internal components of the plant I do not think this will cause any issues. The root systems on these plants are truly amazing. The only plant that may rival a giant pumpkin for root development and water transport is a long gourd.

7/24/2013 9:48:26 PM

South East

If it hasnt rained, and you find water, its your watering practices, if it rained you will have to check a healthy leaf or two.
We had huge ammounts of water this year, and almost every leaf i had to amputate had water in it. So i would agree that if its not because of rain you are probably over watering, because its not just the broken leaves that you will find water, healty unbroken leaves have water in them to.(I checked)
My guess is that once the soil get saturated and plant has no place to go with the water, stalks function as temporarity holding tanks. Once the soil dries and the plant can utilize the water, it will slowly seep back into the plant.There is only water in the stalks here in times of excess rain. I would hold off on watering a bit.

(broken leaves we usally cut)

just our two cents

7/24/2013 10:17:45 PM

Cameron

Thanks for all the replies. We really appreciate it. It's been very dry here, so it's not the rain. We are watering overhead every day & each plant (@ 750 sq ft) is getting @ 75 gallons of water. Like Chris said we do have massive sized leaves, but I don't see any cracks or splits on the leaves where they meet the stem. Some are over 3' across or the length of my cane. I hate to cut back the watering too much as the pumpkins are just starting to hit their prime growing period. We will keep an eye on it & hope it doesn't cause any problems. We'll also increase our fungicide program to weekly applications in hopes that we can avoid any fungal problems down the road.

Thanks again for all your help. Good luck in the patch.

Jane & Phil

7/25/2013 11:13:18 AM

Omaha, Ne.

Dry here to. Was wondering the same thing. I didn't see any way the water got in mine <]:)

7/25/2013 7:36:31 PM

Riverton, WY

It seems like I read a few years back that the leaves will store water in the leaf stalks and use it up as needed during the hot part of the day. I did a search, but couldn't find anything on it, so I don't know where I read it. Don't know if it's true or not either, but I have found water in some of my cut leaves that were too close to the pumpkin....healthy plants & no overhead water before cutting the leaves.

7/27/2013 2:12:11 PM