My Field Set up. Matthew DeBacco

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Bernadette Fleming
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1 My Field Set up Matthew DeBacco

2 Planning is important What are some known problems with the chosen host crop How can you put the odds in your favor Be prepared for some what if situations Goal is to avoid this situation

Initial background research Host crop: Giant Pumpkins Common Diseases: Fusarium Phytophtora Powdery Mildew Downy Mildew Others Insects: Cucumber Beatles Squash bugs

3 Initial background research Host crop: Giant Pumpkins Common Diseases: Fusarium Phytophtora Powdery Mildew Downy Mildew Others Insects: Cucumber Beatles Squash bugs Squash Vine Borers Aphids Animals: Deer Mice Humans Other: Nutrient depletion Insufficient irrigation Poor soil health

4 Initial site selection

Initial fall soil sample Soil Test results: ph 5.6 Buffer ph 6.4 Nitrogen: 47ppm Organic Matter: 11.9% P: 4ppm K: 174ppm Ca: 1488 Mg: 278 CEC: 18.9 Meq / 100g http://www.gardenlady.

5 Initial fall soil sample Soil Test results: ph 5.6 Buffer ph 6.4 Nitrogen: 47ppm Organic Matter: 11.9% P: 4ppm K: 174ppm Ca: 1488 Mg: 278 CEC: 18.9 Meq / 100g List of materials added per 10,000 sq. ft. 2,000lb. Calcitic Lime 180lb. Bone Meal lb. Triple phos lb. Humic Acid 50lb. North American Kelp 45lb. SOP

http://www.finegardening.com/cms/uploadedimages/images/gardening/issues_71-80/041072067_ld.jpg Following Spring Soil Sample Soil Test results ph: 6.6 Buffer ph: 6.8 Nitrogen: 11ppm Organic Matter: 10.

6 Following Spring Soil Sample Soil Test results ph: 6.6 Buffer ph: 6.8 Nitrogen: 11ppm Organic Matter: 10.3% P: 4ppm K: 299ppm Ca: 1901 Mg: 188 CEC: 15.3 Meq. / 100g List of materials added per 10,000 sq. ft. 100lb. Greensand 114lb. Triple phos (0-46-0) 250 lb. Calcitic lime 100lb. Humic Acid 60lb. SOP lb. North American Kelp 50lb.+ Gypsum 50lb.+ Aragonite ~30lb. Lesco Calcitic lime

7 Soil structure changes with the use of a sub soiler (ripper) and tiller. Goal is to increase drainage and level the field for consistent conditions

8 Early season problems, corn seed maggots are active when the soil initially warms up

9 Drip irrigation over entire field, since roots will develop everywhere there is a leaf on the vine.

10 Entire field set up covering the 75 x 130 area pre plant

11 Notice that the leaves are not yet on the trees, attention to detail can be important

12 Cold frames are then placed into the field to warm the exact plant sites up to reduce transplant shock

13 Seedlings at transplantable size Pot boundless is a big concern so that is why they are transplanted so early in the growth stage

14 Damping off can still occur even with transplants

15 Walls O Water are also used to help keep the seedlings warm and protected (in addition to the cold frame)

16 June 1st

17 Wind can also be a concern and is the reason for the sections of conservation fence

18 Vines are buried to increase root development

19 June 1 st to June 30 th comparison

20 Overall field set up, organized, low weeds population, SVB pheromone traps, and umbrellas

21 Clear line of weeds vs shallow cultivation can bee seen

22 Encourage others to come see your field. Exchange ideas and learn from each other.

23 Drip irrigation, controlled and even, no excessively wet or dry spots

24 Irrigation control station, water timer and rain sensor

25 Overhead irrigation used to cool the large pumpkin leaves during the heat of the day

26 Physical weed block with added benefit of increasing soil temperature

27 Isolating crosses (July 1 st )

28 Phytoptora damage can occur overnight and spread very quickly Key is prevention (soil drainage) and aggressive pruning followed by fungicide applications (Ex. Aliette)

29 Powdery

30 Powdery

31 Bravo vs Milk

32 Downy mildew: notice fat deposit looking lesions *Early detection is important Remember there are different strains Rotations: Tanos, Alliete/Agri phos, Ridomil

33 Powdery and Downy

34 Ozone

35 Insect problem?

36 Spray Damage

37 Fruit stress inducing disease day 15 = 99lb (1 day gain = 26.4lb)

38 Day 17 = 146 lb (avg )

39 Day 19 = 216 lb. (avg. 35lb)

40 Day 22 = 300 lb. (avg 28)

41 August 1 st Day 29 = 523 lb (avg. 31)

42 Day 35 = 723 lb (avg )

43 Only 10 plants

44 Late season Mice Woodchucks Deer

45 Harvest

46 Tripod system also works

47 Clean field to remove as much of the original host as possible

48 So what does all this mean? Planning is important to make sure you have all the products you need so you can grab and go But you must remain realistic

Foliar Problems of Giant Pumpkin Plants

Foliar Problems of Giant Pumpkin Plants Compiled with the help of the growing community to provide the pictures presented. Expertise of Matthew DeBacco Updated Summer of 2011 Disclaimer: Following diagnosis's