From

Location

Message

Date Posted

United States

This vine is a secondary, which my pumpkin is growing from. I'm positive I didn't step on it, or accidently cut it in anyway. What could be responsible for this, and what, if anything, should I do to address it?

9/5/2023 7:02:40 PM

United States

https://ibb.co/DCGZnHM
https://ibb.co/541pBs9

9/5/2023 7:06:22 PM

Bethlehem CT

My guess would be vine borer, do some surgery you should find a grub.

9/5/2023 7:44:21 PM

Bethlehem CT

My guess would be vine borer, do some surgery you should find a grub.

9/5/2023 7:44:29 PM

United States

Do you know where I could find a reputable source of instructions describing the steps of the "surgery"?

My Google search indicates three methods:
1. Slice the stem the long way with a razor, and physically remove them.
2. Make a small slit, bend a paperclip into a small hook, and insert it in and out until you see pieces the larva.
3. Stab the vine with a needle repeatedly, and hope to have killed the larva.

9/5/2023 9:14:08 PM

Western PA

do #1.

9/5/2023 10:00:06 PM

United States

Should the slit be wrapped with parafilm or left open?

9/5/2023 10:02:08 PM

United States

I got it, so satisfying to rip that mofo out of the vine. Is there usually only one larva per wound?

9/6/2023 7:39:46 PM

New Castle, Indiana

If you had just one you'd be pretty lucky in my opinion, meaning there could be other entry points you haven't seen yet. But yes I believe you would only find one grub if there was one entry point.

9/7/2023 7:24:34 AM

Bethlehem CT

There shoould be just one

9/7/2023 7:47:07 AM

Bethlehem CT

THis video shows someone using a knife and splitting the vine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDcEzgp_uc

9/7/2023 8:01:20 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

I have never just had one on a plant. Usually there are more through out.

9/7/2023 8:16:50 AM

Hadley Ny

I couldn't grow last year due to rotator cuff injury so I decided to do a few plants in grow bags. Every plant had SVBs. Had 5 in one plant. Found entrance holes on vine and leaf stalks. Check your plant thoroughly if you can.

9/7/2023 10:39:56 AM

United States

Just found another. He's gone now.

9/7/2023 12:24:34 PM

United States

I found three more, for a total of five. That appears to be all. I used an X-Acto, and the stems don't look too bad. Should those vines be buried, or is that likely to cause rot?

9/7/2023 7:52:26 PM

Western NY

Just let them dry out, it will usually scab over.

9/7/2023 8:32:18 PM