pollenation

Here is the method that I use.  I have had success using it and wrote up this
article to send to people with such questions.

Controlling the pollination process is one of the critical practices that has
led to the
continual increase of gain pumpkin weights.  Hand pollinating results in a
better fruit set.
This will provide more seeds develop inside the fruit, and those seeds have a
controlled
genetic makeup.
 To ensure that the cross was pure both male and female flowers that are to be
used in the cross must be covered the night before.  The covering must keep the
flower
from being invaded by bees or filled with water, and allow ventilation.  Cloth
or paper
bags work well along with panty-hose.  I prefer panty-hose because it holds the
flower
closed and is very breathable.
 Pollen germinates best at approximately 72º F so the female flower should be
kept at this temperature during pollination.  Approximately 1-1/2 hr.  before
the female
would normally open, take several jugs of warm water, blankets, and Styrofoam
and
create a makeshift sealed insulated structure around the fruit.  Place the jugs
of water
inside with the female bloom.  use the warm water to raise the temperature
between 70-
75º F.  It is unnecessary to do this if the temperature is 70º overnight.
 It is critical to pollinate as soon after the female has opened as possible.
The
extreme of waiting by the female and gently helping it open will work, but do
not force
the flower or damage it severely.  This may be one of the most critical steps in
that I have
observed a difference of  800 seeds produced because of a two hour difference in

pollination time.
 Plan on using a large number of male flowers for each female (as many as 8 no
fewer than 3).  Remove the petals from the males and roll them gently on the
receptive
surface of the female.  Cover 100% of the receptive surface, but don't try to
continue
covering over areas that have already been covered once.  This will damage the
receptive
surface and limit pollen germination.  One of the major factors concerning
whether
pollen will germinate is the receptive surface's protein coded inhibitor.  This
will prevent
pollen from germination that is too dissimilar.  Usually this means that all
similar species
will be compatible, but this is not always true with giant pumpkins.
Dissimilarity in
visible characteristics is not a good indicator of this, and only a very high
power
microscope can be decisive.  If you are trying to make a specific cross and
nothing will
set regardless of  other practices it is advisable to use the second best male
for a cross and
see if it will take.
 Now that the pollen is applied, the female should be gently closed.  Be careful
not
to stress the flower or bump the receptive surface with the flower petals in
that this will
remove some of the pollen.  Now it is necessary to keep the female flower
between 70-
75º F for the next 8 hours.  This can again be accomplished with the makeshift
structure
of Styrofoam and blankets.  As the temperature rises during the day, the warm
jugs will
need to be replaced with cold ones.  For extra cooling, keep the outside of the
structure
moist relying on evaporation to cool the structure.
 With these measures taken, the flower should set.  It is very possible to set
fruit
without going to this extreme, but in times of difficulty this procedure will be
of help.
Employing this method at all times should increase the number of seeds in the
fruit.
However, if at any point the fruit is put under undue stress it could be aborted
by the
plant so at times simpler methods will yield better results.

I hope this helps all who have questions.  I am open to opinions on my method as
well as questions.

Nic Welty


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