Vine borer destruction aka The Zucchini Killer
Over at the vegetable garden the zucchini was going very nicely and first one then the other wilted.
With no obvious wound I was dumbfounded and looked around and asked.
What was suggested is the vine borer.
SQUASH VINE BORER From: http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef314.asp
“The squash vine borer is a key pest of winter squash, gourds and pumpkins in Kentucky. Unfortunately, it is usually noticed only after it has done its damage. Symptoms appear in mid summer when a long runner or an entire plant wilts suddenly. Infested vines usually die beyond the point of attack.”
Sounds like it exactly.
Upon investigation, the stem of my plant looked like this.
Split like a fish!
I hope to get to to get another few plants in the ground as the reproductive cycle is past the point of plant damage. What is your experience?
Keep digging!
July 15, 2010
>I never even heard of it so hopefully we don't get it here. I hope you have better luck with the next lot.
July 15, 2010
>Shayla, I hope not either! Both vines were doing very well be for they just fell apart. Maybe they are just in the U.S.? Thanks for commenting!
July 16, 2010
>Dave,
I really enjoy your garden blog. Reading it starts me thinking about renovating parts of my garden. As I had written in FB I have read of one method to combat squash vine borers – Beneficial nematodes. They are available for injection through the stem near wilting vines. I have never tried it though…never grown squash.
July 16, 2010
>Thanks Robin, I'll look into that!. Why not become a blog follower? Would love to have you!