RE: stems affect pumpkin shape
This is exactly what I am seeing on a pumpkin that cracked the stem when
positioning. I liked this one as it had a great shape and was isolated on a
secondary main. Bad stem angle though and as I was reposioning it it
cracked halfway across. I've let it go to see how it does and it is still
growing but the side where the stem is intact is growing at a faster rate
and the fruit is getting lopsided. I'll keep this one going and see if it
leads to a split at some point because of the difference in growth rates.
It may be the one I end up taking to the Puyallup fair in a couple weeks or
I may take another that is on a different place on the plant that may be
drawing from another pumpkin I have set. It's wait and see. But I think
based on my own observations there is a lot of merit to your theory. I have
one with the stem and vine somewhat under the fruit and will watch to see
how it develops too.
Chris Michalec
Covington, WA
heavypumpkin@excite.com
cmicha@chmc.org
>
> In an effort to get another technical subject started, let me tell you
> all what i've noticed with a few pumpkins. I need to know if anyone else
> has noticed it. If you cut the tap roots from the stem junction and a
> couple on either side of the pumpkin to relieve stem stress before it
> happens, the pumpkin will take the shape it is genetically supposed to.
> But, if you leave the tap roots and don't do anything, the pumpkin will
> lift as it grows, causing the stem to point down. As long as it isn't a
> tall pumpkin and break the stem, there will be more growth on the upper
> half of the pumpkin, causing the place where the blossom was to point
> down. I have also seen pumpkins become left/right lopsided from pumpkin
> positioning when trying for a good angle with the vine. I think when
> these things happen, it pinches one side of the stem slightly, and that
> effects the juices flowing to the fruit. Has anyone else seen this? Any
> help from long time growers? Next year, i'll be positioning vines, not
> fruit[not that shape is our first concern].
>
> Andy Wolf
> Western NY
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