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Webster, NY

Hi, This year I had problems pollinating the pumpkins. I had tried to pollinate over 12 different flowers with no success. I had brought in my manure in the spring rather then the fall like I usually do. Do you think that bringing in and putting down the manure at that time would cause flowers not to pollinate, or that they might cause fruit to abort shortly after they get growing?

Thanks for whatever information you can give me. Hopefully next year I'll have a bit more success.

Dave

9/16/2006 9:01:04 AM

Nashville, TN

I've laid down manure at all times.. So far it doesn't seem to affect WHICH plants set fruit - and which don't..

I've noticed that some varieties set fruit by selfing very quickly, whereas other varieties REFUSE to set fruit until I OP or cross pollinate. Another factor has been the temp - some varieties due extremely well in high heat - whereas others won't set fruit until the cool temps of fall set in.

There are at least 4 known genes amongst the C.maxima that cause male sterility. There is probably a lot more that haven't been found. And there's most likely genetic predispositions to heat-loving varieties and cool-loving varieties.

9/16/2006 9:43:38 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

Something was amiss here in New England this season. More aborts this year than in the last 5-6 years combined here!
Didn't get anything set here till the end of July at 25-30 feet out on the main. Wet Spring, killer heat wave early July...who knows why? Not likely the manure, just my 2 cents.

9/17/2006 6:56:37 PM

Webster, NY

Thanks for the replys. We also had a lot of rain at one time, and a lot of early heat. Hopefully, next year will be better.

Dave

9/24/2006 1:55:56 PM