Re: Methoxychlor Mutation

In a message dated 5/29/98 11:41:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time, MillsJ@doaks.org
writes:

<< Pumpkinheads,
 
 I want to start spraying for stem borers soon but have a dilemma. Last
 year I eventually realized that spraying methoxychlor on tender new vine
 ends mutates the new growth in that the leaves are crinkled. I want to
 avoid this but right now the plants are about 4 ft. long, looking great
 but with a good amount of tender new growth. I hesitate to do any
 general spraying at this point but feel I must start my stem borer
 program soon. Do you think I should begin now with a dusting program of
 Sevin and then switch to Methoxychlor when the plant is bigger? I had
 trouble with females withering before bloom last year and wonder whether
 the Methoxychlor had anything to do with that. Should one avoid
 flowering growth as well as new vine growth when spraying Methoxychlor.
 Should one be wearing a mask when dusting with Sevin? Dr. Wayne?
 
 ZOO >>

I seriously doubt that Methoxychlor caused this problem unless you sprayed in
poor drying conditions or very hot temperatures.  If you do Seven wound burn
the plants too and seven is not a listed insecticide for Borers.  I have used
Methoxychlor for years with no adverse affects.  Causes of the condition you
describe could be sun scald or herbicide damage.  To help avoid sun scald keep
light colored mulch away from new growth, it reflects the sun back up at the
plant and can increases chances of damage.

George
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