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Fairport,NY

I am wondering when it comes time for the official way-off what are some of the signs that voids the Pumpkin as DMG(Damaged).Any blemishes or just specific ones like a 1" split in the stem,rotten blossom etc.?
the reason I am asking is first I've never entered into a pumpkin weigh-off before and second I'm just curious?
My pumpkin has a bunch of new 2-3" splits (oozing sap)around the shoulders, It also had a small spot between the stem and Pumpkin that was leaking a week ago but i've dried it with captan and it has stopped.(not soft either?)
Thanks

9/1/2007 9:03:43 PM

Western NY

DMG's are usually two types:

- splits that go all the way into the interior or the fruit
- soft or rotten spots large enough to affect the integrity of the rind.

those little oozing splits are nothing to worry about.

9/1/2007 9:53:16 PM

Fairport,NY

Thanks Andy.
I definately feel much better hearing you say that!!!!
Bumkin

9/1/2007 10:56:41 PM

[email protected]

We will probe small cracks with a peice of straw to make sure they don't go all the way into the cavity. If a crack is wet or smells then further examination is justified. Like Andy said, those buggery little cracks rarely void a fruit.

9/1/2007 11:39:06 PM