Ohio

Define production losses in Pumpkins due to unknown insects or pathogens.

Principal Investigator:

Craig Everett, Wood County Extension

Abstract:

Ohio produces more than 3000 acres of pumpkins as a high value crop for which yield and quality of the crop is extremely important. Quality and yields were reduced by as much as 20% in 1997 in certain areas of the state by mysterious holes, caused by an unknown factor. Lost revenues were as high as $195.00 per acre in certain areas of Ohio. Yield reductions based on samples and inquiries received at Ohio State University's Extension, Pest Diagnostic Clinic, and the Wood County Extension office. The purpose of this study is to determine the cause and to prevent the problem hole findings in pumpkins late in their production cycle. The first objective of this study is to determine the identity of these problem holes through thorough monitoring of pathogens and insects. Some hypotheses to be looked at include pickle worm a common insect of pumpkins in the Carolinas, not known to occur in Ohio. Another theory is the increased moisture during the 1997 growing season aggravated a known pumpkin pathogen or a new pathogen occurred. Some methods to be used to determine these unknown pests include pheromone traps, and the Pest Diagnostic Clinic.

The second objective is to prevent the problematic holes from occurring. Several varieties of pumpkins will be raised to evaluate variety sensitivity. Rotation of chemical classes of insecticides and fungicides for control of pests on pumpkins for comparison purposes will also be looked at.

Implementation:

The acre test plot was established in late June of 1998 at Rick and Carl's Trees in Bowling Green, Ohio. The acre plot was divided into four .25 acre plots. Each plot had eight rows of separate varieties of Pumpkins, eight feet apart, and a fifteen-foot walkway between rows four and five. There was fifteen foot pathways between the plots, and rows ran North and South.

A dismal start delayed production due to dry spring conditions. In April soil tests were sent to REAL. Roundup Ultra (qt/acre) and 2-4D (pt./acre) was also applied. Mid may was the first planting (2 lbs./acre ) and consist of the varieties Howden, Pro-Gold, Howden Biggy, Ichabod, Aspen, Tallman, Baby Bear, and Jumpin Jack. At planting 50 lbs. of 16-16-16 was banded in the seed row, and Prefar (qt/acre) was incorporated. Plots did not receive supplemental irrigation. Late June the plots were reseeded, due to dry conditions (2 lbs./acre) using same varieties. Germination started around June 30,1998. Due to the dry conditions Prefar did not take hold and cultivation was employed in early July to help combat weeds. Additional fertilizer was applied as a spray , 20- 20 -20( 5 lbs/acre), in early July. All four plots were adversely affected by the weather again, between August 5 and the 15 when the plots received 6.5 inches of rain. Scouting of the plots utilizing pheromone traps for pickle worm, started the second week of August. Traps were checked twice a week and the pheromone lures replaced every two weeks.

To look at possible pesticide interactions, each plot had a separate insecticide and fungicide program. Plot number one tried to duplicate the same growing practice used by Rick and Carl's Trees in 1997. Plot number two looked at not using any insecticides or fungicides. Plot number three evaluated the rotation of insecticides and fungicides, and plot number four evaluated the rotation of insecticides and fungicides based on the 1998 Ohio Vegetable Production Guide. For comparison purposes total yield data was also collected.

Plot Number One
July 7, 1998 Sevin XLR qt/acre
July 29, 1998 Sevin XLR qt/acre
September 13, 1998 Sevin XLR qt/acre ; Bayleton 50 4oz/acre ; Bravo 500 qt/acre
September 25, 1998 Malathion 57EC 3pt/acre; Bayleton 50 4oz/acre ; Bravo 500 qt/acre
August 11, 1998 Monitored pickle worm traps, twice week - none found
Monitored major insect and disease pressure - none found
October 26, 1998 Total yield 10 ton/acre
Plot Number Two
August 11, 1998 Monitored pickle worm traps, twice week - none found
Monitored major insect and disease pressure - none found
October 26, 1998 Total yield 15 ton/acre
Plot Number Three
July 7, 1998 Sevin XLR qt/acre
July 29, 1998 Sevin XLR qt/acre
September 13, 1998 Thiodan 50WP 1.5lbs/acre ; Bayleton 50 4oz/acre ; Bravo 500 qt/acre
September 25, 1998 Asana 8oz/acre; Bayleton 50 4oz/acre ; Bravo 500 qt/acre
August 11, 1998 Monitored pickle worm traps, twice week - none found
Monitored major insect and disease pressure - none found
October 26, 1998 Total yield 10 ton/acre
Plot Number Four
May 18, 1998 Furadan 4F 2.4oz/1000ft
July 29, 1998 Sevin XLR qt/acre
September 13, 1998 Asana 8oz/acre ; Bayleton 50 4oz/acre ; Bravo 500 qt/acre
September 25, 1998 Thiodan 50WP 1.5lbs/acre; Bayleton 50 4oz/acre ; Bravo 500 qt/acre
August 11, 1998 Monitored pickle worm traps, twice week - none found
Monitored major insect and disease pressure - none found
October 26, 1998 Total yield 10 ton/acre

Results:

Data collected from the four plots was inconclusive about what may have happened to part of Ohio's 1997 pumpkin crop. All four research plots were unremarkable, as the mysterious hole findings did not appear. The pheromone traps collected no male pickle worm moths. Though we had an unusual wet August, disease pressure was light to none. An interesting anecdote is plot number two without the additional insecticides or fungicides had an increased yield of five tons to the acre. Reports from Ohio States University Extension Entomology Department also note no significant reports of damage to Ohio's 1998 pumpkin crop.

Based on one year research, the theory that pickle worm may appear on a cyclic time table, or be brought into Ohio on southerly winds, needs to be monitored more closely. Another hypothesis is climatic weather conditions still may play a role in production years where these mysterious holes appear.

Extension Program Implementation:

Results of this study will be made available to the Ohio State University Vegetable Team, and with pumpkin producers. Reports will also be distributed for use in Extension bulletins on pumpkin production.

For further information contact Craig Everett Ohio State University Extension, Wood County or the Ohio IPM Office.

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