Fwd: 2000# Pumpkin Paradox

It seems to me that the number of pumpkins you can support with one plant has
a lot to do with the size of the plant. A plant of 3000 square feet might
handle 3 pumpkins. Someone growing in limited space might have to keep their
plant at 1000 square feet and one pumpkin or maybe two per plant. This is why
the Xmas tree method of pruning is of interest. It allows someone with limited
space to go for the gold. I only have 2000 square feet of growing space. I
will grow two plants and use the Xmas tree technique of pruning. I'll have one
or at most two pumpkins per plant. I wish I had more time and more energy and
more space. I don't.

Marv in Altoona PA

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  • To: <pumpkins@mallorn.com>
  • Subject: 2000# Pumpkin Paradox
  • From: "* J* N* <c*@execpc.com>
  • Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 14:42:59 -0600
Heres one to talk about since we are already diving into the culling
questions.  I've read about a few growers that have grown two or even three
fruit on one vine and ended up carrying in excess of 1500 pounds of fruit
on one vine.  What does this mean about our plant and fruit relationships? 
 I hope some people will be able to respond with some experience and maybe
some sort of guess as to the explanation.  

When I hear about this happening I sit back and think to myself that
supporting one fruit to 1000 pounds hasn't maxed out the plants ability to
fill fruit.   I get the feeling that there is some other limiting factor
that is only allowing the fruit to get so big......and that factor of
course is probably genetically controlled.    My theory would be that our
plants in general are able to produce and move enough photosynthates,
nutrients, and water  to make 1500-2000 pounds of fruit, but there is some
reason why the plants won't or can't put it all in one fruit.....at least
not yet!

I welcome as much input from as many people that have any thoughts.  Even
some silly explanation based on something you observed could be a key to
the answer of the 2000# pumpkin pair-a-ducks!   

Rick
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