[forest flame]

hi i have grown courgettes for the first time and the first few were lovely.since then they have been producing loads of flowers and foliage but when they get to about an inch long they start to rot off.i cut a lot of the leaves off to let in more light
any ideas or help much appreciated
thanks in advance

[Greengage]

Seems like a similar problem with pumpkins its got to do with inadequate pollination.You can try to hand-pollinate plants yourself by removing a male flower (male flowers don't have a swelling at their base) and brushing the central parts against the centre of a female flower (female flowers have a swelling at the base - this is the beginning of the fruit).
little bit of hidden sex and secret marriage there

[stonehead]

Have been having a similar problem myself this year, just after the flowers drop of a grey mould appears and then the courgette rots away. Any ideas !
Powdery mildew maybe or does that just affect the leaves.


Stonehead.

[Greengage]

powdery mildew will first be noticed on the leaves problem is one of pollination.

[forest flame]

cheers thanks for that will try to help in the pollination makes sense.

[stonehead]

Did a bit of reading up regarding my own problem and it looks to me to be a fungal growth called Botrytis or grey mould. The spores are spred in the air or by rain or water splash, and usually get into plants through wounds or damaged areas. Infections are worse in wet summers.


Stonehead.

[michael brenock]

Botrytis starts on the dead remains of the flower whether male or female and continues to spread onto the developing courgette when conditions are suitable. it is a good idea to pluck off the flower after the pollination has taken place or is just beginning to wither.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[forest flame]

thanks michael i will do that too