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Federal Way, WA

Hey guys; has anyone seen what I'm observing on one of the plants? It's hard to see in the washed out image, but it almost looks like the very tip of every leaf was dipped in bright white paint. It hasn't shown up on the dill just feet away, so I'm certain it's not actually paint, heh. Could it be over-fertilization/salt burn, heat (been in the high 80's) or something else? Secondaries seemed to slow in growth with the onset...in fact, the one pictured, completely stopped growing.
Thanks!
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=204841

7/25/2013 3:49:10 PM

South of Buffalo

Ive had that on all of my plants the past 3 seasons, id say its normal

7/25/2013 4:50:58 PM

Connecticut

I typically see this in regions experiencing cool and wet weather. In just about all instances the plants seem to grow out of it or if the weather gets into a dry and warm pattern the problem goes away.

Either way I would not be to concerned with this issue. I am hesitant to apply anything as this is the vine tip and you are more likely to do more damage than good by applying products to the main site of cell division (called the meristem).

7/25/2013 10:30:08 PM

BC, Canada

Yes, I am having exactly the same thing. We aren't too far apart weather wise (100 miles). So, it is quite possibly weather conditions as Matt has said. I have also noticed the pumpkins "sweating" quite heavily at night. I was out chasing deer at 3 am last week and was surprised how much moisture was dripping from the leaves, and it was not dew.
I assume this is some sort of mineral salts being deposited there. ?

7/25/2013 11:02:05 PM

Lloydminster/AB

I have this happen on the plants in my greenhouses sometimes. It always happens when the plants are young and growing quickly. I have high calcium and some salt problems that are native to our area. I never gave it much thought because it always stopped after fruit set, which is also the time I begin watering regularly. So the dry soils may cause salt or calcium to precipitate out? Interesting. I could brush off the white powder too, and that surprised me. Wonder if I could get enough to send to a lab. Hmmmm.

7/25/2013 11:44:24 PM

Federal Way, WA

Woot, awesome replies. Definitely feeling a lot better about it now that I've heard from you all. Matt D. we did have a few surprisingly cold nights with copious dew and morning fog for about five days before this showed up, so despite very nice afternoons, I wouldn't be surprised if that contributed. Likewise Don, I also wouldn't be surprised if I wasn't giving the plants adequate water with the root crowding that's likely going on. Thanks again for all the input!

7/25/2013 11:59:46 PM

Lloydminster/AB

Yes, I think you are fine, I checked your pic out and that is exactly what mine looked like. I'm glad you posted, I feel better about mine now. Thought I might be crazy. Lol

7/26/2013 12:05:17 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Great posting and something I've been wondering for years. My plants do it when they are young (inside the greenhouse) every year and I just figured it was something "normal".

7/26/2013 12:35:42 AM