As many Californian's know, this year was a terrible year with ants, and in farming where there are ants there are aphids...lots of aphids. (pictured right, gourd plants damaged by aphids) To make a long story short, the aphids took out quite a few gourd plants during the peak hot months of the year, and without the leaves to cover them, many gourds were scorched and collapsed. Our workers spent endless days white-washing thousands of exposed gourds in an attempt to keep them from getting scorched and were able to save quite a few. (Pictured left, gourds covered with white wash. Thankfully this white paint removes easily with water.) It is impossible to tell what the damage is until it comes time to cut the plants from the vine, which is happening now. So far we have determined about half our crop of Hawaiian Ipu dancing gourds were lost (a specifically-shaped bottle gourd about 7" -8" in diameter; see photo, right). A price increase on those shapes that are in very short supply will be necessary (unfortunately there's no insurance available on gourd crops).

The Gourd Connection
San Diego, California
(619) 224-1378
Email: alohaipu@cox.net