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Bloomington, IN USA

We got around 1.25" rain yesterday, no problem.
It is raining now, we've got an additional .5" & I just noticed a crack extending from the blossom end along a rib to the side.
It is probably 2 feet long and 1/2 " wide, ? 1-2" deep.
I put a tarp over the stump.
I removed 12 secondaries from the side yesterday where I intend to back my truck Thursday.
I took a mustard bottle and blew Sulfur powder dust into the crack.
I have 3 fans blowing on the entire crack.

What else should I be doing?
Is it possible for this crack to seal?
Should I cut it off the vine or would that impede the crack sealing?
Should I just cut off a bunch more secondaries?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I went to chat but nobody was on at this time of the day.
I could be reached email bogeymeister@bluemarble.net or my cell 812.345.3937.
TIA!

10/10/2017 2:27:33 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

Cut it off totally. If you don't, it's going to split more...

10/10/2017 2:51:12 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

Update
I just got a call on my cell, received the advice to take it off the vine.
I cut the main on either side of the stem also the secondary that was at that point.
We'll see what happens...high anxiety!
Thanks so much for the call, John.

10/10/2017 3:18:56 PM

Central NY

Good call ...

10/10/2017 6:11:46 PM

Lexington, Ky

If this were my pumpkin, I wouldn't remotely think about saving it or bringing it to a weigh off. Each of us personally define what a "sound " fruit is, my personal standard is very high.

10/10/2017 6:15:13 PM

Lexington, Ky

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=283785

I have a similar issue this year, for what it's worth, this one stays home.

10/10/2017 6:23:08 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

If it's off the vine how will it heal over skin cracks happen but typically heal over.... sulfur and a fan would do a lot.... looks heavy to chart if you were to ask me ......

10/10/2017 7:05:52 PM

Lexington, Ky

Big City is correct, it will not heal when life support is removed.

10/10/2017 7:18:20 PM

Torrance, Ca.

I've got them like this and they heal over in about 1 week.

10/10/2017 7:26:19 PM

Lexington, Ky

Send it to SoCal, must be a magic wand there....lol.

10/10/2017 9:18:25 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

I am backing away from the ledge.
This squash has had other typical growth cracks on the blossom end which I successfully treated.
I am optimistically considering this an extreme growth crack which I have treated with Sulfur.
Recognizing that it is extreme, we have stopped further flow of fluid into the fruit by removing it from the vine.
I don't have a wealth of experience with this issue.
If it looks bad, it won't go to a weighoff.
If it doesn't look bad, it will go to a weighoff & I will accept the judgment of those with greater experience than myself as to whether it should be declared DMG.
At least then I will get a weight...I also suspect it will go heavy.

10/10/2017 9:22:56 PM

Torrance, Ca.

:)

10/10/2017 10:18:31 PM

Bloomfield, Iowa

It's a growth crack. They can probe at site to make sure it doesn't go into open air cavity of your fruit. It's a legal fruit. It's not a soft spot.

10/12/2017 2:25:17 PM

Bloomfield, Iowa

Just keep the sulfur and fan on it to dry it up.

10/12/2017 2:26:28 PM

Lexington, Ky

"significant flesh damage"

10/12/2017 8:57:49 PM

Lexington, Ky

One to two inch deep split is not a growth crack....

10/12/2017 8:58:44 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

I thought I would let everyone know the outcome.
We took our squash to Operation Pumpkin yesterday and had a great time.
They evaluated this crack, probed it and allowed it in the competition.
I had blown a ton of Sulfur into it and before they would allow it to be weighed, they wanted me to remove as much of it as possible.
So of course I did that.
Weight was 908 lb which we were very pleased with as it has been my first year growing squash.
Everybody's input is greatly appreciated!

10/14/2017 8:43:09 AM

Central NY

Way to go materdoc!!!!...

10/14/2017 9:26:26 AM

Bloomfield, Iowa

Congratulations!

10/14/2017 9:27:33 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Masterdoc, congrats!!! I have one question tho? or maybe two? Was Mr. Wexler one of the judges? & what did he say after it was allowed into the competition? Peace, Wayne

10/16/2017 12:46:45 AM

Bloomington, IN USA

Mr. Wexler was indeed there and he had a competing squash that was very impressive.
He was not one of the judges which is appropriate.
He was not bashful about stating that he did not believe that my squash should be allowed in.
That's OK, each of us has an opinion & I feel the judges treated it fairly.
I don't expect everyone to be my best friend.
My squash was subsequently sculpted & that crack was shown to be quite superficial compared to the 6" depth of the wall & no rot!
Still a very fun festival.

10/16/2017 9:50:37 AM

Bloomfield, Iowa

I guess when you have "experienced" growers like Stelts, Rose and Sherwood there and it is deemed ok, it's ok. Congrats!

10/16/2017 3:11:57 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

Thanks, I appreciate the support!

10/16/2017 9:57:17 PM

Lexington, Ky

It was an impressive squash! For those of you that are looking for the drama (Peace, Wayne).... I introduced myself to Materdoc and explained my thoughts. We had a great conversation that was more centered around growing squash than the crack. He was very polite and respected my opinion. As a result of this thread, I have now met another great grower that I otherwise wouldn't have.

And for you Wayne..."what did he say after it was allowed"....I didn't say anything...why would I? I was wrong, plain and simple and I have no problem being put in my place. Matter of fact, I congratulated him after it crossed the scale, that's how Team Wexler rolls.

10/17/2017 7:29:40 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Congrats, Mr. Wexler...you stood up & did the right thing!! I am impressed!! Please don't step down from your place, judges at weigh-offs are very important, and critical at each and every weigh, and being wrong is better than being blind!! Thanks, for what you do!! Peace, Wayne
PS...Congrats to Mdoc!!!

10/19/2017 1:19:41 AM