 |
|
A pile of rotting pumpkins in
Image credit: Corbis
Lyme, New Hampshire. |
From jack-o'-lanterns to yummy pies, autumn is all about pumpkins. But finding the perfect one to carve or bake this year may be tricky in some parts of the country. That's because diseases and weather problems are hurting pumpkin yields.
Another pumpkin disease is caused by downy mildew, a different fungus. It can't survive in the soil, but it is carried by wind from the southern United States each year. Downy mildew "causes vines to die and makes pumpkins too small," Egel says.
In addition, lots of rain—or lack of it—can harm pumpkin crops. "Virginia had some problems because of drought," Lucier notes. In Massachusetts and other places, heavy rains washed away seeds or prevented farmers from planting. Lots of rain increases the growth of fungi.
The weather and fungi problems affecting pumpkins this year are worst in the Midwest and Northeast. "It's very scattered," says Egel. "Some growers reported losses of 85 percent, others are having a decent year."
Stay away from moldy pumpkins.
Avoid pumpkins with soft spots, too.
Look for a big green stem.
Keep the pumpkin away from rain, moisture, and freezing temperatures.
Don't carve it until a few days before Halloween.
Back to Top
The Fungus Among Us
Some pumpkin damage is caused by fungi. that hide in soil. Two different kinds—Phytophthora and Fusarium—cause decay, says Daniel Egel, a scientist who studies plant diseases at Purdue University Extension in Vincennes, Indiana. These fungi produce spores that grow into the pumpkin and eat away at it. Then the pumpkin rots from the inside out. The fungi "do not cause human disease," assures Egel. "However, it's always a good idea, after handling pumpkins, to wash your hands."
Another pumpkin disease is caused by downy mildew, a different fungus. It can't survive in the soil, but it is carried by wind from the southern United States each year. Downy mildew "causes vines to die and makes pumpkins too small," Egel says.
Wacky Weather
Weather conditions can also affect pumpkin crops. In the Midwest, summer temperatures were extremely high. "Pumpkins don't bear as many fruit when it's [hotter]," according to Egel. California also endured a few weeks of triple-digit temperatures. As a result, "the blooms just fall off the plants," and fewer pumpkins are created, says Gary Lucier, an agricultural economist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In addition, lots of rain—or lack of it—can harm pumpkin crops. "Virginia had some problems because of drought," Lucier notes. In Massachusetts and other places, heavy rains washed away seeds or prevented farmers from planting. Lots of rain increases the growth of fungi.
Top of the Crops
Not all parts of the country are facing pumpkin shortages. That's because pumpkins are "really a regional-type market," explains Lucier. In other words, many different states grow pumpkins, so damage in one part of the country doesn't affect the whole United States.
The weather and fungi problems affecting pumpkins this year are worst in the Midwest and Northeast. "It's very scattered," says Egel. "Some growers reported losses of 85 percent, others are having a decent year."
Pumpkin Pointers
You shouldn't wait too long to get a pumpkin, Egel advises. The best ones usually sell early. Egel also has some tips for picking and storing a pumpkin: Stay away from moldy pumpkins. Avoid pumpkins with soft spots, too. Look for a big green stem. Keep the pumpkin away from rain, moisture, and freezing temperatures. Don't carve it until a few days before Halloween.
|
- Hugh McMahon creates amazing jack-o'-lanterns! www.chelseamarket.com
- A no-bake, just-for-kids recipe for Mini Pumpkin Pie pbskids.org
- Join the Pumpkin Hunt and see how many you can find! www.pumpkinhunt.com
- Pumpkin trivia from the University of Illinois Extension www.urbanext.uiuc.edu
Links
Back to Top
|
|
 |
Add to del.icio.us |  Subscribe Now |
RSS