From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ontario, Canada.

Help, the Ailts-Landry Benchmark study needs more information.

I have received numerous reports of large fruit out there at very young ages. Currently, I know of three fruit that are tracking well ahead of the norm in the +90" range. One US grower, currently has a fruit which has surpassed the 20 day mark and eclipsed the standard by a staggering figure of nearly 40%. Although this is not a record the number of larger than average fruit seams to be increasing this year. The current D20 record belongs to the 930 Carlson at 95".

The benchmark is based primarily on fruit of 1000 pounds or more. With today's ever increasing weights, case sizes are increasing. We simply need more data from the heavy hitters and all others with large progeny. This would help to further develop a higher standard for larger fruit. We require more CC sizes for fruit that finally reach the 1100 to 1500 pound range.

Landry/Ailts Benchmarks for 1000+        
Day 10--25"        
Day 20--68"        
Day 30--108.5"        
Day 40--134.5"        

Current official record in the data base.
Day 10 = 35
Day 20 = 95
Day 30 = 131
Day 40 = 160

Part of my interest still remains in finding the optimum growth curve and how to keep a fruit together that has excessive growth. At this moment I'm most interested in milestone dates only from Day 10 to 50. 5 measurements is all we need. As we move into August now is the time to get serious about this data.

Please, post here, provide links or emails with pictures if possible.

8/2/2006 1:58:00 PM

Deer Park, WI

I agree 100% with Russ. Of course I'm a wee bit biased being co-author of this baby. Some have stated that this project is merely a means to pass the time until October. I disagree. This is a resource for growers who set their sights high. The benchmarks allow growers to select/focus on fruit that fall within our statistical ranges, as these have the highest probability to reach the 1000lb benchmark.

There are a number of experienced growers here who have no need for the benchmarks. I fully respect that. Their experience guides them in the right direction. But for the high number of growers who are new to the sport, the benchmarks serve as a point of reference. Something to compare to. Hence the importance of their statistical significance.

This is where all of you can help. As Russ alluded to, we want data. Lots of it. I'd like to pull together data on those screaming demons that surpass your expectations. 40" on day 10. 96" on day 20. This way we can develop upper ranges...to let you know when you climb out of the "safety" zone and into BLOWERville.

Eventually I'd like to add OTT measurements as well. Experienced growers, please bear with me. Yeah, this does help pass the time till october, but it also has a purpose. And your contributions fulfill a greater purpose...to help the new guys grow bigger pumpkins. Its why we're here, right?

Someone knock me off the soapbox please...

8/2/2006 7:28:26 PM

This first time grower has found the "benchmarks" to be very helpful,,yes I KNOW it's a long way till the weighoffs, but having some goals that have been proven pushes one to pay attention and make adjustments when necessary.
Keep up the good work guys!! All of my "day marks" are posted in my diary with pics,,,hopefully till the 80-90 day totals,,,lol.

8/2/2006 9:14:24 PM

Butler, Ohio

I'll have to second Dan's post. I'm in my 3rd season and It's nice having some numbers to shoot for, or at least compare my fruit to. I have one tracking that way for thie first time in my short growing career. WIll be in touch guys. Mike

8/2/2006 9:24:47 PM

That State Up North

Another point is getting as much data as possible. It would be nice to have a set of data from the ones that split as well, something to take a look at. What is too fast, if there is such a thing. Will these 100" day 20 fruit make it?
time will tell, but it would be great to have the data
some temperature data would be real awesome, but I know I am begining to ask for too much. If growers include a zip code, it won't be too hard to link the weather data so long as we know the pollination dates.
And for all the small growers, send in those measurements too, helps to establish when we are not going as fast as we need to as well.
anyways
more data, it can help us all

Nic Welty

8/2/2006 10:53:41 PM

Mulino, Oregon

One thing we've noticed in the PNW is that these benchmarks are not very realistic here. We tend to have a longer growing season which allows us to compete with other growers from the East and Mid West. Perhaps you guys could 'regionalize' your charts to even be more accurate in accordance with geography and the various benchmarks.

thanks for all you guys are doing!

Jim

8/3/2006 1:14:12 AM

Netherlands

I have a pumpkin that was 90.6" at day 20. I noticed that it was no longer able to make the 4.02" per day up till day 30 because that would have meant unreasonable weight gains. At day 22 and 23 the pumpkin was growing 35lbs/day but not meeting the average gain in inches.

BTW due to stump rot at day 25 and having to amputate half the plant, the growth went down by 50% but still made 121.3" at day 30.

8/3/2006 2:44:59 AM

Ontario

The fastest pumpkin I had growing was last years 992 uow
Day 10 27
day 20 88
day 30 127
day 40 155
day 50 split day 42

8/3/2006 5:22:44 AM

Spanish Ontario

shit try these numbers day28 246 982 myers 1233 reiss 241
670 daigle ott288 now the scary one905 toffness 294
523

8/5/2006 10:35:28 PM