RE: vine Purning questions addressed



Jack & Sherry LaRue wrote:

> Vine pruning
>
> What vines should we prune?
>
> I have addressed this question over the mailing list and they  have
> state yes on pruning the side vines.  Now I see these side vines on the
> secondary
> vines, but I thought they were left on to secure the plant down for windy
> days.

> Should we remove the side vines?
>
> Do I treat the side vines with any thing?
>
> When is the best or worst time to prune the side vines?
>
> When should I prune the vine which is perpendicular to a pollinated
> pumpkin?
>
> What happens if the vine becomes to big, should I still prune it?



>
>
> Duncan,
>         Yes, you should remove the side vines on the secondary vines.  These
> are called terciary vines (I'm not sure how to spell it).  The other
> things that grow are tendrils - these are the curly things that grab
> hold of anything to hold the plant down.  Some people bury them while
> others cut them off.  I take them off for the most part.  Usually they
> are in my way or are holding the vine in the air.  Some growers will put
> captan on the ends that are cut off or spray with a fungicide or
> antibacterial soap.  I don't unless it might be a problem later with
> rotting or if for some reason it might leave a large spot for bacteria
> or fungus to get into the plant.  We usually prune in the evening or
> early morning when it is cooler for us.  Often times we will prune in
> the evening then cover the vine the next morning.  This allows the plant
> to seal itself before being buried.  Then if any problems exist in the
> soil it doesn't have a place to enter the plant.  I prune off the vine
> that is next to a pumpkin as soon as it begins to be a problem.  Right
> now I need to raise the vine on my 1016 to prevent stem stress later in
> the season.  For that pumpkin I have already cut the vine growing next
> to it off.  I will loosen the roots on the main vine to allow more
> flexibility.  If the vine growing next to the pumpkin will not interfere
> with it you can leave it.  Sometimes we loosen the roots on that vine on
> just move it.  Even if it becomes big, if we think that it is best to
> cut it off, we cut it off.  Look at all of your possibilities.
> Remember- the goal is to allow the pumpkin to grow with the least amount
> of stress - from vines, from stems, leaves, etc.  Adjust your plant
> according to what its' needs are.  Good luck !  I look forward to your
> next questions!   Sherry



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