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Re: squash

In a message dated 7/14/98 1:51:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Mkwg1@aol.com
writes:

<< What is happening to my yellow and zucchini squash ?  The main stem near
the
 base rots and the plant withers and it eventually dies.  I'm not
overwatering,
 I don't think.  Is it an insect?  Would mulching or hilling help?  thanks--
 Mary in Southeastern  VA. >>

    The most common cause is squash borers. Look closely to see if you can see
signs of damage around the base, or frass (borer droppings). You can sometimes
jab them with a small wire or toothpick. Once they've eaten out the conductive
tissue, the plant is done.

    I usually put dirt over the vine at several spots. Then it puts out roots
and when the main stem is killed, the plant lives on throught the extra root
systems.

    You can kill the borers with Bt, if you can get it in where they'll eat
it. A number of pesticides will kill the moths as they lay their eggs, but
don't contaminate the blossoms, or you'll kill your pollinators.

Pollinator@aol.com     Dave Green  Hemingway, SC  USA
The Pollination Scene:  http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html

Jan's Sweetness and Light Shop    (Varietal Honeys and Beeswax Candles)
http://users.aol.com/SweetnessL/sweetlit.htm
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