Question
I live in Charlotte North Carolina and just recently I have been having a problem with my squash that is just coming in. It almost looks like a fungis that starts to cover the actual fruit. It seems to start at the blossum end but not always when the blossum is still atached. It appears to be a mold but stands up approximately an eigth of an inch around the entire fruit. It is almost spongy and it seems to disolve or eat the fruit. If it is a spore the very end of the fiber looks almost black. I have grown squash for quite a few years and assisted my father for many years before that and have never seen this problem. My soil is pretty damp and the only other problem I seem to have is the usual slug problem with my cukes.  

Answer
David, the more likely disease is what is called Choanephora, otherwise known as wet-rot.  This disease only attacks summer squash and is usually caused by too much water in addition to poor air circulation.

It is important to keep the plants spaced at least two feet apart.  Also, make sure you do not plant squash in the same location for at least 2-3 years.  This is a prudent practice regardless since most diseases tend to be soil borne.  I rotate all of my crops to a different location using a 3 year cycle.

In the meantime, make sure you remove any infected fruit and blossoms to reduce the spread of this disease.  You should also begin spraying the plants with an approved fungicide such as copper once every 7 days until the disease subsides.  You can purchase this product at any reputable garden center.

To help improve drainage, amend the soil with ample organic matter, including peat moss, compost, aged manure, shredded leaves, and aged grass clippings.  Also, mulch the plants with straw or shredded leaves to reduce the need for watering.  During dry periods, only water to a depth of 1.5" per week.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike