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Topsfield, Ma.

looking for some insight from the more experienced on the potential success of a young plant (approx. 1 foot long)
that has suffered stem split from ground level up the the
cotyledon leaves. any input would be greatly appreciated.
running out of alternatives having fried a couple Mongeon
300's and couple McIntyre 932's in a poorly designed greenhouse ! all input is greatly appreciated !
duff

6/10/2000 7:53:20 PM

Commack, NY

duff, i dont' think it has anythign to do with your technique. it seems that sometimes this just happens. my 935 plant this year split the stem less then one week after i transplanted it. It had 1 true leaf at the time. larry checkon emailed me and told me that his 1190 uow had the same problem, so, obviously this isnt' the end of the world! since the split, i followed larry's advice. He told me to put some sand around the split, to give the stem support. i asked him "why sand" he said because it is sterile, unlike soil. so, that's what i have done, and so far so good. i now have a 5.5' vine, and when the weather was hot this weekend, i was getting over a foot a day in main vine growth. so, i think its okay. just be aware of it, and take precaution, remember, its not going to be able to support the plant like it normally would. once the runners take off, and the plant is really anchored, un-cover it a bit and let some air in there, you dont' want to rot it. i've been concentrating on keeping the area as dry as possible. of course there are no guarantees, but stick with it.
pumpkins i know of that have had this happen, include the 1190, the 862 vanderstine, and the 879 rockwell squash, there is hope!!
good luck,
scott

6/14/2000 9:00:07 AM