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Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

I know many growers have now been doing this for the past few years. Is it really benificial? I know it creates better air flow but what about the loss of nutrients caused by fewer roots?

3/27/2007 7:45:07 PM

Rhode Island

Hey Mark...my personnal opinion is that every leaf is like a solar panel for the plant! Yes airation is good....I do take every other off....I think the size of your patch and the time you have to bury sides brings into play how much pruning every grower does!!!!

3/27/2007 9:26:01 PM

[email protected]

I believe that Ron left all of his secondaries on the 1502. Strong arguments have been made for both practices.

3/27/2007 10:48:10 PM

maine USA

Maybe it gets down to your patch location. I would think that if your patch is in an open area, with good air flow from all directions, it would make sense to leave all of the secondaries.
Whereas, if your air flow is limited, [structures or trees, blocking the air flow], along with high humidity. Maybe it would be better to go with removing every other secondary.
KathyT

3/28/2007 1:24:30 AM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

Another benefit in addition to increased air-flow is ease of access between secondaries to feed and maintain properly without damaging leaves. The other benefit that comes to mind is less leaf overlap where moisture can remain throughout the day and promoting disease.

3/28/2007 5:08:10 AM

southwest MO

I've noticed some secondary vines, maybe every third or fourth one, is some what smaller and weaker than the one in front of or behind them. I figure these would make good canidates for pruning.

3/28/2007 11:11:45 AM

Montoursville, PA

I saw a plant last year that had a sum total of four (4) twenty foot secondaries. It produced a 1000+ pumpkin of record.

3/28/2007 2:22:41 PM

No Place Special

I think Wallaces leave all side vines on between the stump and the pumpkin and remove every other after the fruit?????

3/28/2007 2:36:27 PM

Lexington, Ky

A great point was made earlier in regard to leaf overlap and subsequent disease potential....the same consideration should be given to pruning vines, if done improperly, chances are, disease will follow.

My patch is mediocre at best and I've often thought that by pruning, I was cutting off life support. If my soil was "jacked", I would feel better about pruning.

3/28/2007 10:20:13 PM

Rhode Island

yes we believe in keeping all secondaires before the fruit and go every other from fruit on out. the more leaves between stump and fruit the better.
also, when you terminate side vines you are increasing leaf size, which make the larger leaves harder to stand up to a wind driven storm.
pap

3/29/2007 8:20:49 AM