Re: STEM ROT AFTER HARVEST?
In a message dated 8/22/2003 2:53:10 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ncangler@hotmail.com writes:
> I live in North Carolina and am a first year grower. I had a plant go down
>
> with disease so I took the pumpkin off. It was only 20lbs, but something I
> could show for my efforts. Anyway, after a few days of sitting in the
> house I decided to move the pumpkin. I picked it up, and to my surprise
> the stem rotted off. Is this a common problem? I have a nice pumpkin on my
>
> Emmons 1038 and really don't want this to happen again when it comes time to
>
> harvest. What can I do about rot after harvest? Sure would appreciate any
> advice.
> -PETE
>
Hi Pete
Stem rot occurs sometime if the pumpkin sits in the heat too long. First
thing never try to move or use the stem to carry the pumpkin. AG do not have a
strong stem like a regular pumpkin.
Next thing I do when I pick one is wipe the entire pumpkin down with a bleech
and water solution. 2 table spoons in a half gallon of water. You can also
put the solution in a hand sprayer and get down in the nooks and craneys around
the stem.
I then put the pumpkin in a cool shady location up off the ground.
Good Luck
Bill
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