RE: Main Vine Pruning

Dave,

There isn't normally any more than one "Main Vine". Other vines cannot be
the "primary" or Main. Other vines that grow from the basal crown area
aren't permitted to stay - they get pruned off right away.

We are growing Dill's Atlantic Giants & not a field (Pepo) pumpkins right?

The idea of selecting one fruit per plant is correct. However each plant
usually only has one main vine. There are occasional instances of a plant
supporting a "back vine" which is trained like a secondary main (which is a
conflictive term) if space permits. Most growers cut "back vines" off but
those with space might train a back vine. Some growers have done very well
with this technique.

Vines growing off the Main are called "secondary vines". While we would
prefer to not set fruit on secondary vines there are some years we don't
have a choice. Some growers remove up to half of their secondary vines
(every other one) but most only remove a secondary vine if it happens to
interfere with the chosen fruit. 

Vines that grow off secondary vines are called "tertiary vines". They come
later in the season. These are always pruned off to focus energy on the
pumpkins. Cut them off as fast as they appear.

Setting multiple fruit on the MAIN vine is OK (even expected!) but the
competitive grower needs to track their growth & quickly cull down to the
one with the best early growth.

Pruning cuts are made with a clean sharp knife as close to the point of
origin as possible so long as the "main" or "crown" isn't damage in making
the cut.

I hope I am understanding your questions & helping. If not keep asking.

Best wishes,

Stephen Jepsen
CT Giant Squash & Pumpkin Growers Assoc, Pres.
ctpumpkin@optonline.net
 
www.ctpumpkin.org
 

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf Of
pclements
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 8:40 PM
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Subject: Main Vine Pruning

In the brief period I've been trying to grow larger pumpkins, I've taken the
approach of selecting one pumpkin per plant.  Under this method, what should
be done with other main vines that are not supporting fruit?  Should they be
removed and if so, how far from the base of the plant, and when?  I'm
obviously very much a novice at this and appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks,
Dave

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