What's your question? Ask

Gourds and squash are actually in the same family so it is likely that you have a gourd plant. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/gourd/growing-gourd-plants.htm

try soaking seed in potassium nitrate it mimics the digestive system of animals and nics at the outer thin layer membrane of the seed.dont have PN try this superthrive soak for 2 hours then plant only a quarter inch no deeper. GOOD LUCK this works for me every time

This article should help answer your concerns: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-406/426-406.html

One of the most common squash problems: Squash vine borers. These fat, white, 1" long larvae burrow into the stems and exude masses of yellow-green, sawdustlike excrement. Slit stems lengthwise above injury with a sharp knife and kill larvae. Cover cut stems with moist soil so they will form new roots. Injecting stems with BTK or parasitic nematodes may also control borers. To reduce problems, plant the cultivar which is resistant to vine borers. Or spray base of stems with BTK once a week in late spring and early summer.
This article might help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/squash-pests-identifying-and-preventing-squash-vine-borer.htm

I think the key phrase is ''recent, heavy rains''. Squash and pumpkins need adequate moisture, but they don't like to be waterlogged. They are susceptible to fungus in hot humid weather. This article explains: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/tips-for-growing-squash.htm

Yes, it is possible. Nearly any plant can be grown hydroponically. The issue is that squash plants get very large, even bush varieties and it can be quite difficult for the home hydroponic gardener to accommodate their size and support their size on typically elevated hydrponic beds.

If you are going to try growing these, I would recommend that you grow vining varieties as these can be coaxed up strings or wires and would make it easier to accommodate their size.

That being said, here is an interesting video from a gentleman who is growing bush varieties hydroponically:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqTZYMqXUZ4