Something is boring into the main stalk of my squash plants. The hole is huge and has almost severed the entire stalk. I have found several carcass shells - could they be the culprit? Please see pix:
[img]https://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx228/cmajors2/Shell.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx228/cmajors2/Hole.jpg[/img]
I'm betting top dollar that you are being infested with Squash Vine Borers. They get in the stems and steadily destroy the plant eating it from the inside out. I lost all my early spring squash plants to them and now have a healthy crop just starting to show signs of setting blooms in a few days. So far, so good for this bunch.
Some folks will cut the stems, dig out the borers and mound soil over the cut stem hoping it will set out some new roots and recover. Folks with more experience in that process will likely chime in with more advice.
Tough break but a common problem with squash and melons.
Some folks will cut the stems, dig out the borers and mound soil over the cut stem hoping it will set out some new roots and recover. Folks with more experience in that process will likely chime in with more advice.
Tough break but a common problem with squash and melons.