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New Zealand

just when i thought things were getting better......
my kin is oozing a thick goo out around where the stem joins the kin.
it wasnt there last week but now it is. the kin is still growing well... but is again changing shape.
the goo is very sticky .... sort of looks like gum from a tree, i have never seen this before, is this like foaming stump but at the fruit end?
anyone else experienced this?
is it terminal?
cheers for any advice.
have no pics but will take one tomorrow.

2/1/2011 1:19:46 AM

Western PA

Hard to tell what is going on without a pic, but most growers will put captan or sulfer powder on the wound. And keep it as dry as possible. Some will even put a small fan blowing on the area to try to dry it out.Definatly keep the area covered from getting wet.

If it is clear liqued it should be fine if you can keep it dry, if the liqued is yellow to grey you may have other issues going on.
Keep a close eye on the stem. Make sure it stays firm with no rot. If it starts to rot you will have to do some surgery.
Good luck

2/1/2011 11:14:54 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I have seen this before, sometimes on small splits in the skin. Usually it isn't too much to worry about.

2/1/2011 1:03:16 PM

New Zealand

what ever it is, it has stopped.
the ooz has hardened up and the pumpkin is still growing.
all good for now, pumpkin has a nice taut drum sound when tapped.

cheers for the help.

2/3/2011 12:36:56 AM

Rhode Island

sapping usually occurs around the shoulders and stem area as the fruits skin gets older and tougher and the pumpkin is still growing.
a mostly clear gummy type of ozz kinda like candle wasx but very sticky to the touch.
most times we just wipe it away and pat down the area with a little sulfer. even if you miss doing this the sap will dry on its own eventually.

2/13/2011 9:05:32 AM