"Phyto"
Hello Group
Thanks for all the great info available through this forum. For those
that don't know what "Phyto" is, I hope you never do! Phytophthora is a
microscopic
Fungal disease that needs to be prevented. It is really not treatable
once
symptoms are discovered.
Had a really nice 1061by1006 cross. Over 2,500 square foot and over
800 leaves{Guesstimate}. Still had 5 pumpkins
on it, all growing 5 inches a day {circ.}. The earliest one set had 70"
in 19 days. The plant was so big that 4 Giants would not have been a
problem.
I noticed a clear oooze coming out of two spots on the main vine close
to ground zero. Thought it was a little fungus
or something so I scrapped away the bad and coated with Captan. Thought
everything was fine. 5 days later, disaster, 20 or so leaves right off
the main dead overnight. Noticed some wet spots on the main that
shouldn't be there. 15 foot of main, right in the middle of the plant
was literally cottage cheese. My finger could run right through it. I'm
sure that it is OVER for this plant. The ooze at ground zero was just a
sign. I looked through all the pages in Don Langevins volume two and
Phytophthora is the only thing that comes close. I have some questions
for any 'Phyto" experts out there.
1)Don Langevins' book recommends not planting in the same spot again
next year because the spores live through winter. Fumigation of the soil
using Basamid is suggested. Prevention using natural enemy spores that
out compete the bad spores {Bio-trek, Rootshield, T22}. The anti-fungal
sprays that kill this spore are darn few{Ridamil/Coper, Ridomil/Bravo}
Are probably very hard to find and maybe only commercially available.
Aliette is suppose to be effective and very expensive and I bet it is
very hard to find also.
?s
Can I plant in the same spot next year with just the use of competing
spores or is fumigation absolutely necessary? Has anyone ever found
Basamid?
What is available non commercially to use against this spore? Three
basic things are needed 1)A fumigation chemical
2)a competing spore{Think I found it already through Gardens Alive}
3)And a non-commercial Fungicide for use during the season. Most
Fungicides don't kill Phytophthora.
Should I plant pumpkins somewhere else or NOT at all for one season?
Is there a lab that can give me an absolute positive for "phyto" ? I am
only 80% sure that that is what it is!! I have plenty
of test sample and will ship it anywhere for testing.
Thanks in advance
Ray
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