What causes plants to rot? The Demise of a Pumpkin
Slide 2
How long can pumpkins last? Healthy, Whole Pumpkins 8 to 12
weeks Jack-O-Lanterns 5 to 10 days Source: Steven Reiners, Cornell
Univ.
Slide 3
Effect of Temperature Ideal temp. is 50-55 F Cold Temps. slow
deterioration Warm temperatures speed up the deterioration process
Freezing temperatures slow deterioration, but damage plant
cells.
Slide 4
Dermal Tissue FUNCTION: The cuticle and epidermis offer
protection and prevent loss of water DAMAGE: Exposes the pumpkin to
bacteria and air The stomata can no longer regulate intake and loss
of water
Slide 5
Vascular Tissue FUNCTION: Xylem cells circulate water through a
system of tubes and transport cells DAMAGE: The water stored in the
Xylem cells is released Example of Water Transport in a Tree
Slide 6
Dehydration of Plants Intact cells are rigid because they are
full of water, and although the pumpkin is separated from the
nourishing roots, the Xylem and Phloem can still nourish the
pumpkin cells for an extended period of time When cells are
deprived of water, or damaged, they shrink and become unable to
support the plant and expose the pumpkin to damaging bacteria A
lack of water speeds up oxidation
Slide 7
Oxidation When the surface of foods react with oxygen causing
food to spoil. When oxygen is metabolized, it creates free radicals
which steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage. An
overload of free radicals causing tissue to break down.
Antioxidants, found in certain foods such as pumpkins, help
neutralize free radicals
Slide 8
What was our goal? Pumpkin Treatment Methods
Slide 9
Purpose of Treatment Methods Prevent dehydration through
sealing the cut surfaces of hydrating them with liquid Inhibit mold
growth by providing a barrier against mold or through application
of an antifungal agent Slow down oxidation by creating a barrier
against oxygen
Slide 10
Bleach and Water Daily spraying is intended to hydrate pumpkin
flesh Bleach is antimicrobial What is bleach? A chemical known as
Sodium Hypochlorite Pesticide/Fungicide Extremely Basic, pH 13
Slide 11
Pumpkin Fresh Borax Sprayed daily to maintain hydration of
pumpkin flesh Fungicidal solution to slow rot What is Borax? Known
as Sodium Tetraborate Natural Mineral Salt Used as an antiseptic
Slightly Basic, pH 9.3
Slide 12
Vaseline Intended to keep the pumpkin flesh from dehydrating
Used to create a barrier against mold and oxidation What is
Vaseline? Petroleum Jelly; a leftover residue created during the
refinery of crude oil
Slide 13
White Glue The dried glue is intended to seal the pumpkin,
preventing dehydration What is white glue? A synthetic resin
prepared by the polymerization of vinyl acetate Prepared from
ethylene, a naturally occurring gas
