Unfortunately, a splendidly growing pumpkin offers a considerable target for diseases and pests. This is how you effectively ward off attacks by fungi and voracious pests.
These mushrooms want to eat the squash
The focus is on two fungi that prey on pumpkins during the growing season. Both have high season exactly parallel to the plants. We explain how to recognize and combat the symptoms.
The fungus Didymella bryoniae causes gum stalk disease, also known as stem smut. In summer temperatures, it attacks the pumpkin and penetrates the plant through the smallest of injuries. Leaf spots and black necrosis form. At the same time, the stems are softened like rubber.
- Cultivation in areas that are as dry and airy as possible
- Always harden off 1 week before planting
- avoid any damage to the shell
- give only little nitrogen fertilizer
- In extreme emergencies, treat with Compo Duaxo Pilzfrei, with the approved active ingredient difenoconazole
If a whitish lawn of fungus spreads on the leaves, powdery mildew has struck. Take the initiative immediately and spray the diseased plant repeatedly with the following mixture: 1 heaping spoonful of baking soda, 15 milliliters of vegetable oil and pure curd soap.
Drive away voracious slugs
They move out at night and attack pumpkin plants with great appetite. We are talking about the ubiquitous slugs. With a good portion of perseverance you will get rid of the plague again:
- create barriers around each plant made of wood chips, grit (€46.95) or coarse-grained sand
- Remodel pumpkin with a snail fence
- Coffee grounds are highly toxic to mollusks
- settle Indian ducks or chickens in the garden
- Attract predators such as birds or hedgehogs
The combination of snail fence and beer trap has proven to be extremely effective. Place a bowl filled with old beer inside the fenced area throughout the season. Snails cannot resist this temptation. They fall in and drown.
A beer trap without a snail fence is strongly discouraged at this point. The snails from all over the neighborhood will come in droves.
tips and tricks
If a rainy summer is imminent, the pressure of infestation from fungal diseases and moisture-loving pests of all kinds increases disproportionately. In this case, protect your magnificent pumpkin with a simple superstructure, as is known from tomato cultivation.