DeKALB | Pumpkins this year are not only in danger of being smashed, but also of being harmed by an emerging fungus.

While gardeners are familiar with most molds, there is another that will rot out the pumpkin from the inside. This less-known fungus has hollowed pumpkin crops predominantly in Eastern states, and it has made one Halloween tradition a lot more messy — carving Jack-o-lanterns.

Regional pumpkin farmers have not seen an outbreak of the hollowing fungus, but are aware of the typical mold that can appear on their crops.

Brenda Rainwater, owner and operator of Rainwater’s Pumpkin Patch, Rochelle, said she has not seen any problems with her crops.

Mark Yaeger, owner of Yaeger’s Farm Market, 14643 State Route 38, said combating crop deterioration is always an issue for farmers.

“In previous years, it does happen,” Yaeger said of the mold. “If [growers] are not on a program, they will get rotting in a week or so.”

Other expected diseases also can attack plants, said Ron Johnson, master gardener and coordinator at the University of Illinois extension in DeKalb County. “Anthracnose, bacteria wilt, cucumber beetles and powdery mildew [are among them].”

Standard problems arise throughout the year with pumpkins.

“[Growers] will see issues,” Yaegar said. “There will be rot on the belly side that touches the ground and you’ll see gray mold and rot right away. It depends on the disease if it will spread throughout the field.”

Johnson hypothesized that the inside-out rot could be due to boring insects.

“Anything between the pumpkin and soil [could cause rot],” said Johnson. “Insects could create a porthole for fungus.”

The hole would be very difficult to create on a mature pumpkin. Johnson compared their coverings to being almost bulletproof.

Yaegar’s farm is on a fungicide watch program.

“We have been very fortunate,” Yaegar said. “We have a lot of pumpkins, and the crop is almost equal to last year’s.”

Katie Trusk is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.