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Re: CO2

Ambient levels of CO2 are normally around 330ppm (this concentration is 
increasing daily as industry and cars pump more into the atmosphere). 
Plants in greenhouses have been found to respond well to increased levels 
of CO2; this is especially true with the greenhouse cuke and tomato 
industry. Propane burners are generally used to increase the levels of 
CO2 from the normal 330ppm to over 1000ppm. Obviously, with more CO2 
available, the plant's photosynthetic rate increases and more food is 
made available for vegetative and fruit growth.
     I'd bet giant pumpkins and squash would respond similarly. It's just 
a matter of placing a controlled environment over the entire plant (eg. a 
hoop greenhouse) and pumping CO2 in during the day time. I know many 
growers who already have some sort of protective environment over their 
plants, and the addition of a CO2 burner would not phase them a bit. You 
can buy these from any greenhouse supply company (eg. Professional 
Gardener in Calgary, AB). Or I suppose you could invite some friends over 
daily and have them breath on your plants.

Will Neily
Horticulture Instructor
Olds College, AB
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