RE: The beginning
I have grown a 723 in 2000 [damaged plant, grew 252 {selfed} and
275 {selfed} and two others] and also a 845 [ grew a 713, only 40 viable
seeds]. I have wondered the same thing, after watching both exhibiting
the same 'slow and go' traits. The second time around [with the 845], I
decided to play with a theory that perhaps it was tied into the way the
plant channels its energy. Since pruning affects this, I decided to try
something new, since it was set around the same time as my 712 but
was behind in measurements by light years. I dead head my main 2
secondary vines coming from the stump, allowed the side vines that
were closest to the fruit area to grow into the space where I would have
allowed the mains to grow. In the past, I believed in letting the back
mains grow and let them and the main vine grow as long as they wished,
and not dead head any of those 2 or 3 vines. When I cut back the 2 mains,
I also tipped the main vine so it was forced to "V" off and grow a new main.
I have been told since then by many, that the plant has done extremely well
for them, after getting rid of most or all of those plant vines growing after
the fruit. I noticed after half a week after doing this, that my daily OTT was
out the roof on some days, several 20 LBS. a day gains, quite a few 25-30
gains as well! Compared to the 712's gains, I was uncertain still if this was
due to the genetics or the pruning method I used.
I am still not sure after hearing your comments which one was the main
factor, perhaps it was both!{?} Joze has a posting on big pumpkins which
touched on this concept a little, and was a very informative thread! Since
my 1064 Needham was also pruned similar to the way I pruned the 845 {and
grew a 787 and 646 on it in 400 s.f., with NO SPLITS, mind you}, I think
perhaps there is quite a bit linked to how you prune affects how fruit grows.
I'd have loved to visit Quinn Werners patch last year to observe how he pruned
his plants.
Below is the link I mentioned, lots of good info on this, although the initial
topic gets off track, all the postings that were made are all excellent, and
one of the better threads I've read ... thanks.....
Subject: Plant Size vs Fruit Size- more sink/source ramblin
Post from General Discussion of the www.bigpumpkins,com web site
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=61746
I'd also be very interested to hear more about other growers observations. Since
I never could pinpoint what helped the 845 go from a has been plant to a 700+
producer, I have no clear answers either, just more questions.
"Madman"
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From: Mike and Vickie Brock <vbrock@mcn.org>
Subject: The beginning
I believe we touched upon this years back. Its a very tricky situation that
in the beginning it seems that certain genetics seem to be slow to go. And
its damn near impossible to know whether its genetic or some other problem.
I experienced it with the 846 Calai nearly tossed it but then decided to
give it a competition match . The 846 was the slowest in the beginning and
made up for lost time later. The 723 bobier seemed real slow.......are
these common experiences?
I noticed some of the offspring carry that slow to go trait-----but think
that it would be helpful for others to comment . Also have noticed that the
biggest burly plant is not always my best.........any thoughts and
experiences........
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