Termination of AG plants
Group:
Sorry to announce that I have had to terminate all of the pumpkin plants in
my patch due to Mosaic virus. Our nice fall and winter weather gave us
several days of mid 80 weather, just enough for the biting insects to infect
my plants. Things were coming along nicely and this was hard to do with so
many nice pumpkins on the vines. I was also pleased with the Mappes 815 I was
proving for Josh. I can highly recommend that seed for easy germination and
vigorous growth habit. It just didn't get mature enough to bloom before being
stricken as well.
My 189 plants (Eaton 780 cross) were a pleasure as they were prolific female
blossom producers. Have never grown a plant that produced so many nice female
flowers.
My plan of attack against this horrible chain of events is to thoroughly
spray the garden and soil, surrounding areas and grass with a good
insecticide. Wait a week, then spray a fungicide. Till, spray again and then
try another planting. This means lots of work right now, as I have to plant
by Feb 1.
I will be forced to spray insecticide on an agressive basis throughout the
season to see if I can keep biting insects at bay. Have concerns about too
much insecticide and it's effects on butterflies, birds and such. Just don't
know what else to do but kill the vector.
Just hope the weather cooperates and we have a cool Spring. If this effort
fails, we can always try again........in NY!!!!!
Barb
Disappointed but not discouraged!
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