RE: Nitrogen level by observing the leaves


George,
I'm not too sure about that temperature requirement of 80º.  If we 
had to go by that here in the Northwest this year, we only would
have had a handful of opportunities to check our nitrogen levels.
Cooler temps in our growing region were the rule rather than the
exception this past season.  Overall weights were down this year.
Some growers were still able to produce some pretty decent fruit.
I don't know how much that had to do with chlorophyll production,
lack of direct sunlight, cooler soil temperatures restricting the 
uptake of nutrients, or whatever.  I believe it was Beth who posted
the comment of finding green cotyledon leaves from seeds that had
germinated inside the pumpkin,  I have noticed this myself, even inside
the thick walls of an AG.  I can't imagine that much light had penetrated
inside the pumpkin, and this occurred late in the year when outside 
temperatures were quite cool.  So some chlorophyll production does
occur even in the dark and in temperatures below 60º.  These plants 
never fail to amaze me.

Chris Michalec
Covington, WA



> One thing to keep in mind.  Temperature can affect the coloring.  You must
> 
> have temps above 80 to be able to check for nitrogen levels.  I believe
> the 
> plant has difficulty producing chlorophyl during cool weather.
> 
> George
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> Pumpkin-growing FAQ: http://www.mallorn.com/lists/pumpkins/search.cgi

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing FAQ: http://www.mallorn.com/lists/pumpkins/search.cgi
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index