A cocozelle squash is a multi-purpose, stripped zucchini squash. As everyone knows, zucchini squash are very hardy, very productive and often bless not only the gardener with an abundance, but also all neighbors and family who come to visit! Zucchini plants are one of those plants that just keep giving!
I noticed several weeks ago that our cocozelle squash had been attacked by a squash vine borer. A squash vine borer, according Clemson Extention....
"The squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) ranges from Canada to Argentina and is the most serious enemy of squashes and gourds. It causes much trouble where only a few plants are grown in gardens. It rarely attacks cucumbers and melons. Great variations exist in the susceptibility of squash and pumpkin varieties. Butternut and Green-Striped Cushaw varieties are practically immune to attack, but Hubbard squash is highly susceptible.
Squash vine borer larva (Melittia cucurbitae) and damage.
Alton N. Sparks, Jr., University of Georgia, www.insectimages.org
Damage is caused by larvae (immature forms) tunneling into stems. This tunneling often kills plants, especially when the larvae feed in the basal portions of vines. Sometimes fruits are also attacked. Sudden wilting of a vine and sawdust-like insect waste coming from holes in the stem are evidence of attack.
Close-up of squash vine borer larva (Melittia cucurbitae).
Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
The adult is one of the moths known as “clear wings” because the hind wings are almost without scales. It is 1½ inches (3.8 cm) in wing expanse and metallic greenish black in color. Hind legs are fringed with black and orange hairs, and markings of similar color occur over much of the abdomen.
The moths are day fliers and are often mistaken for wasps. Larvae are white, heavy-bodied and considerably over 1 inch (2.54 cm) long when fully grown.
The insect overwinters in the soil as a larva or pupa (a non-feeding stage where the larva changes to an adult) enclosed in a cocoon. Moths emerge in early summer and lay eggs on the stems of the plants, usually late May in the South. Upon hatching, larvae bore into vines and complete their development in four or more weeks. Then they leave the plant, crawl into the soil, spin a cocoon and transform to a pupa. There are two generations in South Carolina.
In a vegetable garden, various measures can be taken to control this pest. Till the soil in late winter to expose overwintering insects. Rotate squash to another location in the garden each season. Destroy vines that have been killed to break the life cycle. You can slit the infested vine lengthwise and remove borers or kill them with a long pin or needle. Place soil over slit stem after removing the borer to encourage root development, and keep plants well watered. Plant as early as the weather allows since borers do not emerge until early summer."
In layman's terms, they are nasty little larva that will kill a young squash plant!
My farmer man and I performed surgery on the squash, but were not successful in finding and removing the larva. We did, however, mound up soil around the damaged stem in hopes that the plant was strong enough to continue to produce roots along the stem where it was in touch with the ground.
Weeks went by and the squash continued to grow, flower and even produce some impressive squash....but the squash vine borers continued to do more and more damage. This is what the squash looked like a week or two ago...
As you can see the stem of the vine looks pretty much like Swiss cheese, BUT this amazing plant is continuing to grow and produce. That's what got me thinking....
How often are we like the "Mighty Zucchini"? Stick with me....
We start out with all the intentions, determination and goals only to have life, circumstances and just plain old stuff burrow its way into us....like the squash vine borer.
Well....we have a choice....just like the squash....we can continue to grow, move forward, be productive and fight the nasty little bugs that try to invade our lives or we can wither, shivel up and allow out dreams to die.
I mean, look at this plant....it has more holes and hurt spots than it has stem and it is STILL growing and producing!
Folks, as we go through life, there are going to those little bugs that can puncture our dreams, those big bugs that can come and produce so much damage and chaos, there might even be a disease that attacks us, but we have to remember the "mighty zucchini". We must continue to look up towards the light, water our souls with goodness, fertilizer our hearts with positive words, mulch ourselves with people who love us, move forward and grow and most of all.....be grateful that we are still alive! This plant has a purpose...to grow, flower and produce zucchini....and my friend God has a purpose for you and your life too.
Here is our cocozelle zucchini today....still producing...still growing...and I am grateful for this wonderful vegetable not only for the nourishment it will provide, but even more for the lesson, reminder and inspiration it has provided.
Once again I have been rejuvenated by the time I have spent with God's wonderful creation and reminded that I am His most prized creation...and like the "Mighty Zucchini"...I have a purpose to fulfill.
(For more information on gardening, lawn care, flowers, etc. check out the Clemson Extention Home and Garden Information Center )
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