my yellow squash plants are producing squash, but they are turniing brown and rotting before they mature?

Question

Anyone know what could cause this? I water every other day, and live in a climate that is a consistent 75-80 degrees. They have been fed nitrates and miracle gro, about 6 weeks ago...Whats happening?

Answer 1

When the Hernando County Extension Office was asked this question "Why does the young fruit on my squash turn brown at the ends and fall off?" This was the answer:

"Incomplete pollination and/or fruit rot caused by a fungus can cause this condition. Don't use pesticides during the day when bees are about. A fungicide spray may also be necessary during periods of wet weather. "
http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/County_Extension/faq.htm

Use a fungicide spray. Get rid of the rotting squash. Make sure your squash has rocks, or plastic etc. under it to keep it clean & off the wet ground. Try to improve air circulation so the plants don't stay wet too long.

Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

It could be a fungus, or squash bugs. Spray for the buggies. Also, take a 10" long galvanized nail and shove it right down in the ground next to each squash plant leaving about 2" of it exposed (you might tie a ribbon around it for ease of use finding it later). See if this helps any.....

Answer 3

Probably a fungus

http://www.aginfo.psu.edu/news/april00/squash.html