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Q&A – Why is the stem on my squash splitting?

Question:
My squash and zucchini plants are splitting in the stalks and some are even flattening out. I am concerned about bugs getting inside the plant and causing bacterial wilt and killing the plants. Any idea as to why this is happening and what to do?

Answer:
The splitting stem is not a problem. The plant will do fine with this. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison does notice a bigger problem on the plant. It looks like a squash vine borer has tunneled into the plant. This will likely kill the plant. Mike tells how to prevent the vine borer.

Related Videos:
Squash Vine Borer
Applying Insecticides to Prevent Squash Vine Borer

Related Resources
Squash vine borers
Squash Vine Borer
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search