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Chillicothe Ohio 45601

can anybody tell me what causes the pumpkins to get little black spots that look like bug bites on them and then they rot?we had several that calculated out to about 300 lbs but then they got these spots and then started to get soft. tried fungicide and bug spray but could not stop it..are we doing something wrong or what might the problem be ?? this is our 3rd year trying and this has happened each year.

9/22/2013 5:58:55 PM

Waterville, Ohio

Cucurbit black rot, first guess would be gummy stem or fusarium. Certain fungicides will suppress the disease, but nothing really cures. Preventative measures throughout the season is usually the only step to keep these diseases at bay.

9/22/2013 6:32:58 PM

Pa

I have the same problem, it is likely a soil/root problem such as fusarium and or pythium. You need to rotate your patch if possible. soil that is not well drained or stays to wet is the main cause of this. My pumpkins collapse around 300 lbs. If you can't rotate then you need nuclear type fungicides which are expensive. clearys, subdue, aliette, heritage etc... I was still wiped out this yr despite an aggressive fungicide program. When there's too much rain look out!!

9/22/2013 8:31:05 PM