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Beach Park, IL.

This happens every year I grow pumpkins. The leaves by the base are now getting yellowish discoloration, and some brown at the tips. They are tough and leathery to the touch. Before you know it, they have shriveled up and gone. I know they will do this eventually, but isn't it too early for my first leaves to be dying off?? Is there something to keep them around longer??

7/7/2006 12:51:26 PM

[email protected]

Check them for mites. Two Spotted Spider Mites seem to ba all over the place this year & much earlier than normal.

Check your mail for a couple pictures.

You'll need to hold a sheet of plain white papoer under an infected leaf. Then gently tap the leaf stalk to dislodge whatever might be hiding. Look for small dark specks that look like dirt. Keep looking (it's OK since the neighbors already know you're crazy). Are any of the specks moving? If so, rub one with your finger. Gut smear? That gut smear used to be a mite. Take some inside. Use a strong magnifying lens. Yellowish tan body with 2 dark spots?

7/7/2006 5:33:32 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

What sprays take care of mites? I don't know if I have them. But, I'll be spraying with Sevin, Ambush, and sulfur soon. So, will that do the job?

7/7/2006 5:42:45 PM

Belgium Europe

And why are the leaves at the base the first victims?

7/7/2006 5:48:48 PM

one thing i noticed last year i had them they looked like fine specks but move-i sprayed talstar daily on them no luck-finally used triazide-that did the trick-i seen them this year again even after spraying talstar and merit both-a few times used triazide-there gone -i think some things different insecticide works better for different insects bugs etc

7/7/2006 6:02:32 PM

Montoursville, PA

Neem Oil is a miticide. It smothers the boogers.

7/7/2006 9:30:57 PM

Danville, CA ([email protected])

The leaves at the base are the oldest. Makes sense to me that they would die first. Some of mine are starting to die but then we have had such tremendous heat wave. I think it is natural. I haven't been growing long, but from the pictures I have seen and what I have read, it seems perfectly normal as long as the plant is growing strong and is healthy...no worries!

7/8/2006 12:49:19 AM

[email protected]

Crammed, No it won't. Those materials won't control & may worsen a mite problem if one exists.

Sevin & other carbamates will only make mite problems worse by killing off beneficial predators.

Neem oil, Horticultural Oil & Soap all smoother mites to death & work fine in cool weather. Over 85°F & you'll need a real miticide.

Bifenthrin (Talstar & Capture) is only effective on mites at high rates -.33 - 1 oz per gallon which is TOO HIGH for young foliage & tips. Mites that apprear late season are easy to kill with Talstar at .5 oz because the plants are tough enough then to take it.

Lanmbda-chyalothrin (Warrior, Triazicide, Scimitar, etc) is a little better on mites but still not great.

Malathion is a little stronger on mites but doesn't get much use around this forum.

If a serious mite problem coincides with hot weather (very common) then a safer solution is needed.

Abemectin (Agr-Mek or Avid), bifenazate (Floramite or Acramite) & spiromesifen (Forbid or Oberon) are the best of the best.

Forbid/Oberon is probably the most effective since it is systemic. However Floramite/Acramite is much gentler on plants & beneficials. Bees sprayed directly with Floramite aren't even harmed.

Jos, the older leaves have had more time for the mites to feed on them.

Keep in mind that other things age leaves too. Sprays, sun, wind, mildews, & time all take their toll on our leaves. So if a dfeew to many stresses are presented, then the older leaves don't make it to October. But a careful eye, & agentle hand & some timely effort can keep leaves fresh & productive longer into the end game.

7/8/2006 12:51:58 AM

Beach Park, IL.

I didn't see any mites when I went to check.

7/9/2006 2:23:49 PM

[email protected]

Then I would take a moderately damaged leaf to a pathologist. This is starting to sound like Downy Mildew or worse, a vascular disorder.

University of Illinois
AW101 Turner Hall
1102 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 333-3420

or probably better:

Extension Coordinator
Robert G. Hoeft
N-305 Turner Hall
1102 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 333-4424
Email: [email protected]

7/9/2006 4:31:53 PM

Mn

Banner-x or Banner-max(can't remember what its called) works great for keeping leaves healthy and you looking. I believe tom beachy uses it. It is aperently like a good hair condintioner except it makes leaves look better instaed of hair.

7/9/2006 8:21:01 PM