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Western PA

I think I asked this about 5 years ago, but would like to resurface this question and see what we get.

What are you doing for preventing stem rot ? I have heard of some folks painting sulfer or captan powder on them, what else ??
Anyone wiping down the surface of their kin with anything also ??

7/22/2016 3:06:40 PM

Omaha, Ne.

I tried sulfur and painting dacnal straght on, last year with no luck had two rot off. thanks for posting, i'll be watching. i was wondering if it could be caused by to much or to high of a nutrient. like potassium or more likely the sodium content in the nutrient.

7/22/2016 9:56:14 PM

Sourthern Utah

i use peroxide and water mix,, on both stem and fruits,, once a week,, ,, sometimes i change up to a bleach and water mix,, captan as a last resort for splits

7/22/2016 9:56:56 PM

Western PA

Curtlave, since you have been doing this, have you had anything still rot on you ??

7/23/2016 8:02:02 AM

Midway, UT

10% solution of bleach wiped on the stem and skin of the pumpkin can be a good preventative measure.

7/23/2016 8:55:08 AM

Massillon, Ohio

I do a mist of straight alcohol weekly. I also keep the sheet pulled back so the sun can hit the stem. This year's humidity may prove to be a problem.

7/23/2016 11:46:59 AM

WNC Usa

I coat mine with Devin dust and keep it dry. Bugs seem to love my stems.

7/23/2016 4:12:41 PM

WNC Usa

Meant Sevin dust. Sorry

7/23/2016 4:13:42 PM

Western PA

Glenna, is that only on the stem with the alcohol, or the skin too ?

7/24/2016 9:57:57 AM

Rhode Island

Nana Rea hits the nail right on the head. When at all possible we like to position our plants to grow facing east.By doing so once we set fruit the stems and base ( cleaned around of course ) can get the benefit of sun all afternoon and into early evening most days.

this method along with the sprays and dustings as mentioned by others here is a great combination for healthy bases and stems.

ps-- also we have found that mr. foamie has not paid us a visit in several years because we feel its due to more sun and growing longer sides ,especially those first few at the plants base.

(of course i may have cursed us now that i mentioned the lack of mister foamie these past few years)

Pap

7/25/2016 2:43:12 PM

Torrance, Ca.

You always have great info pap!

Thanks

7/25/2016 3:47:12 PM

Western PA

Thanks everyone. All skins were wiped down with mild Clorox solution and stems misted with a spray of rubbing alcohol. Now if I can get the stumps to stop rotting, lol ! stopping to buy 2 more fans after work !

7/25/2016 8:59:10 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Humidity is my downfall. Very humid here like hot soup in the air sometimes and I have battled stem issues almost every year. So far so good this year on my only surviving plant (1533 Haist).

I leave the stem exposed all day every day except when raining and keep a fan on it. Like pap said, facing the sun if possible. Once rot sets in here it is a time thing, you can slow it but the humidity will always win no matter how much you cut away and treat.

7/25/2016 9:47:33 PM

Massillon, Ohio

Yes....skin also. Maybe not as often, unless there are any blemishes or stretch marks.

7/26/2016 11:06:03 AM