Re: Culling
In a message dated 7/19/00 9:50:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
harrow.fur@pei.sympatico.ca writes:
<< Was
just reading your post and realized that according to your measurments, I
am really behind, my best ten day this year is 14";, are your measurments
accurate
and what can I expect in Oct. ? Bill
>>
Bill:
The purpose of charting 10 and 20 day measurements is to find out which of
your fruits are growing the best, regardless if they are meeting 10 and 20
day goal measurements.
These are guidelines to use for fruits expected to grow to competition size.
That's my goal and I presume most grower's as well.
There are exceptions to every guideline. It was my experience that cool
weather and shaded plants and fruits will result in lower circumference
mesurements. As things don't stay cool here in FL for long, the circs did
have a 20 day chance to catch up.
If a fruit measured an inch or two under the desired number, I kept it on the
vine to watch, especially at the 10 day mark. Also, I noted the 6 and 5
lobed fruits easily made 10 and 20 day goal circ measurements. Only one 4
lobed fruit made goal circ.
In your case, cooler weather may give way to warmth and your fruits will take
off nicely. Worry less about what your circ measurement is now and more about
which fruits are the fastest, most aggressive growers. When that is done,
culling decisions can be made easier. After the culls, you may find a growth
spurt in the remaining fruits left on the vine.
Hope this helps, Bill. You'll do fine.
Barb
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