From

Location

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Date Posted

Minnesota([email protected])

I'm wondering if the symmetry of the lobes, of the female flower, are important. I've pollinated a couple that aren't symmetrical. They aren't grossly deformed either. Any thoughts?

7/10/2006 5:57:54 PM

Mn

I wouldn't worry to much about symmetry in male flowers. I would probably worry more about symmetry of the lobes on the female flowers wrather than the males. I would say that if the male isn't deformed and if its fairly symetrical, it can be used safly during pollination.

7/10/2006 6:10:54 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Thanks Alex.
I'm concerned solely with the females here.

7/10/2006 6:27:18 PM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

Correctamundo!

7/10/2006 6:47:18 PM

Mn

whoops miss read your statment as male flowers not female.

7/10/2006 6:56:15 PM

Mn

As far as female symmetry i would saay that its fairly important. From what i know and here symmetrical usually mean healthy well formed pumpkins, although there is no evidence to substanciate these claims.

7/10/2006 6:59:12 PM

Dillsburg, PA

IMO it is very important. These are what shape the pumpkin. A lobe that is not symetrical will result in a special needs pumpkin.

7/10/2006 7:13:43 PM

Deer Park, WI

In my opinion, the lobes serve mainly as a vehicle for pollination. I dont think there's any correlation between lobe symmetry and size. Logically, it doesnt make sense that there would be. of course a perfectly symmetrical flower has a positive effect on your perception of the potential, however many a large fruit have been grown on mangled lobes. Its kinda like ugly people being smart too. or a fat guy who's super strong. not much correlation.

7/10/2006 7:47:13 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

the lobes are only the entry to the ovaries...if the fruit below is badly misshapened then perhaps the ovaries are in bad shape...On the other hand if the tubes leading to the ovaries are blocked because 0f the lobe deformaties perhaps unequal distribution of the pollen to the ovaries may occur causing only one or two to actually pollinate. I'm just guessing here.

7/10/2006 9:18:54 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking what Joe and Alex's dad stated. I guess I wanted some reassurance. I like nice shaped pumpkins. I'm so vain......not always:-)

7/10/2006 11:10:15 PM

Marshfield, Ma, USA

Last season I pollinated the only flower that appeared on the main of one of my plants. The lower left side lobe of the flower was twisted. The pumpkin grew with a dent in it's lower left side and ultimately split at the blossom. Coincidence?

For the past two seasons, I've noticed an increase of deformed flowers in my patch. My soil tests do not indicate anything far enough out of line to cause this. Any suggestions as to what may be causing this?

7/11/2006 9:31:55 PM