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Squash and Zucchini problem
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Posted by Carol_AF Qld (My Page) on Mon, Nov 28, 05 at 22:35
| I picked my first baby squash (about 4cm diameter) yesterday only to find that it was all brown and sqishy inside from the flower point down. On the outside and stem side it looked wrinkled and dry, giving no clue to what was inside. I thought I may have left it too long before picking, but then I've been eagerly watching my first zucchini grow from a tiny little thing. Still considerably undersize, I checked it yesterday to find it, too, rotting from the flower tip down. I have removed these two from the bushes in hope of preventing spread of the problem should it be a disease.
I have one larger Early White Bush squash which is about 10cm across and still looking and feeling healthy with no sign of rotting as yet.
Any idea what is wrong? We moved from southern NSW to northern Qld in June. I am wondering if the climate is too humid for the plants and if I need to readjust my sowing calender. Any tropical vege gardeners out there who can advise me? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Squash and Zucchini problem
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Hello Carol,
Sounds a bit like Blossum End Rot, caused by calcium deficiencies and fluctuations in soil moisture levels, try a small amount of lime, some sea weed preparations, mulch to conserve moisture and don't let them get too dry, though I associate Qld with plenty of rain.
Neil |
RE: Squash and Zucchini problem
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Hi Carol,
I'm not an expert on soil, etc. but grow zucchini every year and have always had abundant healthy crops but, sometimes, I do get the odd zucchini which goes brown and squashy and I have to throw it out. Don't know the cause but wonder if the water just pools on certain parts of the plant at times.
Halina |
RE: Squash and Zucchini problem
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Hi Carol,
Came across an article on zucchinis and thought of you. It states that a common problem with zucchinis is lack of air circulation and overhead watering, which can lead to fungal attack, especially powdery mildew. The article also says that planting zucchinis too early may cause seed rotting, retarded growth or frost damage. I know this article does not address climate or humidity, but I hope it has been of some assistance.
Halina |
RE: Squash and Zucchini problem
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Carol,
My first thought would be lack of pollination. Unpollinated fruit tends to grow a little, then go a little wrinkly, then rot on the vine. This may be due to any number of things (not many bees, high humidity etc). Hand pollination may help here.
My next best guess would be BER as suggested by Neil and his solution should cure it if that is what it is.
I'm no expert in tropical climate gardening so can't really advise. As for sowing times, I've found the Eden Seeds Planting Guide very useful. You can find it by going to their website, then clicking Planting Guide at the bottom of their first page.
Hope this helps.
Ray |
RE: Squash and Zucchini problem
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- Posted by moreton Bris. Qld. Aust (My Page) on
Tue, Dec 13, 05 at 22:14
Hi Carol,
A good time for vine crops is as soon as soil temp is about 28/29 degrees in your area, about August for most areas Qld. Vine crops do not like to much moisture, humid, hot conditions, you could try another crop again May before the cool of winter. Do not grow vine crops on the same patch of soil as it just helps the soil born spores to keep going each season, Blossom end rot, powdery mildew etc. Good luck. Peter r |
RE: Squash and Zucchini problem
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| Hello All, Thanks for your help. I have heavily mulched the plants and modified my watering routine to a drip line instead of a sprinkler which I was using in early spring, partly to prevent wasting water (although we have ample water - bore and a rainwater tank which overflows - I still have a conservation mentality from drought stricken NSW) and partly as a prevention measure to stop powdery mildew, blossom end rot, etc. I also keep the weeds cleared and plants thinned to promote air circulation. We had a lot of rain in November, interspersed with hot, dry days, so uneven moisture could have contributed to the problem. I've been removing spent blossoms as soon as they will easily detatch from the formed fruit as an experimental preventative measure for blossom end rot. I've since picked two good sized squash which were perfect (and delicious!) so this may be helping. The zucchinis, however, still struggle on, so I will be adjusting my planting calender for the coming seasons. Thanks Moreton and Ray, and I've found the Eden seeds planting guide as suggested. I'll also experiment with some hand pollination as I do notice an absence of honey bees around here. I've noticed a different type of bee in the garden, which is perhaps less efficient a pollinator. Locals tell me that zucchinis are hard work here, requiring constant spraying, a thing I will not do unless any harmless, purely organic sprays are known. My husband and I suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for years, making us highly sensitive to chemicals, so now I don't take any chances with our health. We are two of the very few who recovered. Again thanks for your help, I'll take it all on board and hopefully will have good results to report. |
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