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United States

When you're pruning leaves, is it advisable to fill the hole left in the stem? Dirt, plastic plant wrap, anything else? It seems like an invitation for vine borers to come in and setup shop.

6/27/2023 7:21:49 PM

Kelowna, British Columbia

When I remove leaves I cut the leaf stalk as close to the vine as I can and then let it dry in the air. Don't put dirt on open wounds, that can lead to disease.

6/27/2023 7:52:56 PM

Lodi, California

You definitely don't want to deprive it of oxygen and let it stay wet, which is what wrapping it up will do. Great invitation for rot.

6/27/2023 8:17:51 PM

Bethlehem CT

What Jordan says. It is Not an invitiation for vine borers so much but it is an invitation for rot. Make sure the water is not sitting in that little cup. It needs to be cut flush on at least one side so that the water will drain out. It is definitely a job of precision but take your time and remove a little at a time until you are where you need to be. If you can tell your cut is starting to head in to deep. Stop and come at it from the other side meeting it in the middle.

6/27/2023 8:25:15 PM

Syracuse, NY

Additionally, cut a channel into it, however small, to allow ANY water that could collect to simply head out that cut,
of course at the lowest point of the circle; If it's somehow flat, well, at least you'll have tried, lol---eg

6/27/2023 8:48:02 PM

New Castle, Indiana

Yeah don't fill it with anything. Also it is recommended to dab some 6% hydrogen peroxide to sterilize the wound and prevent disease.

6/27/2023 9:22:11 PM

New Castle, Indiana

Also, vine borers will not be present unless the female moth laid eggs under your leaves. Believe me, they don't need you to make holes for them to get in...haha. Been there done that.

6/27/2023 9:24:21 PM

Sonoma County, CA

In some cases I’ve cut the leaves up where the leaf starts to avoid the open wound in the dirt scenario. Anyone else do that? It’s worked ok for me. I do prefer cutting close to the vine option but sometimes late in the year it’s hard to do that deep in the plant.

6/28/2023 12:24:19 AM

Syracuse, NY

It'd be cool if anyone were to find out what is IN pumpkin vine juice, like the sap of a tree and make syrup out of it, lol---or determine what is actually going to the rest of the plant. Speaking of rest, I gotta get a few more in before an AC on my car app't. eg

6/28/2023 4:36:22 AM

Torrance, Ca.

I thought this was a bad idea Dawson, I tried it last year on one plant with great success so I guess it works and I'll be doing it again. Cut leaf right at the top, spray with light zerotol and leave it alone.
I tried it because of my disease pressure and where I cut the leaf right at the top sealed over and it was no problem at all.

The info came from someone that doesn't always have the best info,,,, I forget who it was but they were right. I also ran it by my pathologist and he agreed with the process.
I was very surprised!

6/28/2023 9:41:33 AM