Knowledgebase
Malformed zucchini #466989
Asked July 02, 2018, 8:32 AM EDT
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
When the female flowers opened there was insufficient pollen (no male flowers) or insufficient pollinator activity. This caused the developing fruits to shrivel. It's a temporary problem.
there Pollinator insects move pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers where the pollen can fertilize the ovules (tiny seeds) inside the ovary (the very small fruits that appear below the female flowers). When the seeds are fertilized the fruit enlarges. Twisted or deformed squash are the result of insufficient pollination.
Blooms on plants in this family typically are only open for one day. Blooms will simply drop off the plant if they are not pollinated. This can be caused by low bee activity due to cool, wet temperatures or from pesticide sprays. Undeveloped fruits will drop off with blooms or may drop several days afterward due to the same lack of pollination and fertilization. Do not apply insecticides (other than insecticidal soap or horticultural oil) in the vegetable garden during the bloom period.jt
Jon Traunfeld- <personal data hidden>
Thanks!
mh