From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ohio

I noticed today when i was checking on my big Pumpkin that around the stem end right where it conects to the pumpkin a clear sticky water type substance has leaked out and hardened. I have no splits at this area , no brown spots, nothing. When i wipe it off with my finger Its even hard to see where its coming out from, The stem looks very healthy, any idea why this is leaking like this? And what is this stuff?

7/29/2004 11:58:58 AM

Walkerton Ont

mmm... Slychit trying raising the mv up with blocks around 2 feet on each side away from the pumpkin. Raise the vine up a litte bit each day. This will take the stress off of the stem. If stem is leaking, if not use captain, make a paste, and apply it. last year i use silicone as well, and bonded will in the cracks and help it alot

7/29/2004 1:20:42 PM

Commack, NY

whenever i have something leaking on or near the stem, i like to keep the area dry. If its really bad, i put a fan out there blowing 24/7, and dust with sulphur powder. My 1030 split the stem so bad last year you could stick a couple of fingers right through it and come out the other side. it did this around 400 lbs, and made it to weighoff day doing what i mentioned above.
Scott

7/29/2004 1:44:27 PM

ipswich, ma usa

If it kind of looks like "sap" let it be. Sometimes the pumpkins around the stems ooze that stuff. Don't know what it is but in my experiance it was not harmfull. If it is pouring out then be worried but a little bit that seems to appear from nowhere don't worry. I have also had it on the blossom end.

John (5150)

7/29/2004 3:00:57 PM

Ohio

Yea its just like a clear sap that was already dried, when I rubbed my finger on it to see what it was it wiped off,and it was already dried and hard, it didnt leak after that but i went ahead and put captans on it. I hope this isnt a sign that something bad is starting to happen in this spot. Thanks Men
Brooks

7/29/2004 5:37:26 PM

C N Y

later on, after this stem leaking problem is resolved
and, i may be a bit hazy on this, haven't seen it since last August, lol,--------but...
if a fruit is growing really fast, little splits can form anywhere on its surface
and the sap of the pumpkin's skin comes out of them and hardens and heals them over. the same thing happens when
the skin is abraded or scratched by a leaf stalk that is a little too close to the fruit.

7/29/2004 6:53:17 PM

Williamsburg,KY

I am so glad that I found this info...I got the ooze coming out at the top of the pumpkin near the stem but not the stem...had no idea what it was...I wiped it off and applied some fungicide to it. the next day it was back but not as much, so I applied some Soapshield from Gardens Alive and today, its back, looks like little plastic beads oozing out of the skin.. probably should get some captan and make a paste..any help will be appreciated. This is my second year to grow a big one..last year I thought I was something with 135#, hahaha. this year im up to almost 300# and still growing..perhaps im fertilizing too much....all op[inions welcomed. Williamsburg, KY

7/31/2004 6:45:19 PM