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Herndon, VA

My youngest plant just had it's second stem split on the primary vine, which is now approx 3ft long. Both splits are within the 1st foot of vine. Should I even bother with this plant anymore, or should I just pull it and put in a new seedling? I posted a pic in my diary entry for today, whenever that becomes available. Thanks.

5/8/2001 4:13:56 PM

Modesto, CA

I'm not an expert but I have had stem splits and ended up with a 350 lb. pumpkin. You might want to try to bury that vine and see how it does but I would also recommend starting another seed as a backup. Good luck

5/8/2001 5:29:52 PM

Commack, NY

you still have time to start over if you choose, but i'd make up my mind quick, you dont have much time left

5/8/2001 7:23:03 PM

Choctaw, OK

i had a terrible stem split on my 787 Kline seedling last year...it didn't happen on the primary vine, but the actual stem...from the cotyledons on down....i just covered it really good with dirt and i ended up with a 627.5 lb. pumpkin on that plant.

If your plant is still growing good, and you don't think you won't have enough time to start over, just cover the vine up with dirt when it gets a bit longer....depending on the severness of the splitting.

Case

5/8/2001 8:56:58 PM

Greencastle, PA

you should cover part of the vine anyway, it wil sprout roots where it's covered, that will help hold the vine in the ground.

5/8/2001 9:45:44 PM

Choctaw, OK

you plant looks really good bruiser...i would just cover up the vine split with dirt, the plant should be fine....put a nice mound of dirt on it....it helps anchor the plant anyway from the wind. I am not sure if the actual vine puts out roots, but if the split is near a leaf node, the node will deifinitley send out a tap root...

Case

5/8/2001 10:17:24 PM

Buffalo, Minnesota

i wouldent worry, i had a few splits like that last year and my plants grew just fine, i would consider covering the vine though, thats what i always do since i get allot of wind here and the extra roots are always a plus!

5/9/2001 1:10:50 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

Bruiser: if the split is lengthwise just close it up with some twist ties it should heal, just remember to remove them once it heals, most splits are caused by the wind twisting the plant, you need to anchor the vine down.


Glenn Peters

5/9/2001 9:16:40 AM

Herndon, VA

Thank you everyone for all of the advice!! I have decided to proceed with this plant, burying the vine, and keeping an eye on it. I am also starting another plant as a backup in case this suddenly stops growing within the next week or two. After that I figure I'm in it for the long haul, no matter what happens.

THE BORER: I think you are right about the wind. The plant had grown over a foot in the 5 days I was gone, so there was a lot "hanging out there" that probably caught the wind like a kite. I also believe I could have done a better job anchoring what was available....something I will be more careful of in the future.

5/9/2001 3:15:02 PM

Western Pa.

Bruiser,

A pumpkin vine takes up and distributes nutrients in the "walls" of the hollow vine, so a lengthwise split, as long as the wound heals properly, should not affect your growth that adversely.On the other hand,a cut or split across the vine will definately affect your pumpkin growth. A lot of growers would treat this area with Captan or powdered sulfur, before burying, but it should be O.K. as long as no bad bacteria enters the wound.I believe Jack LaRue has grown several nice big pumpkins on split vines.


kilr

5/9/2001 5:38:08 PM