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Ohio

Which plant should I cull? A or B?

Both plants have great genetics.

Plant A.

1) seed from 1100 pound pumpkin
2) vigorous growth.
3) set of twin leaves about 1.5 feet out, but plant seems to have corrected itself
4) stump kind of curls around from changing the direction of the vine
5) main hits shade at 14 feet

Plant B.

1) seed from 900 pound pumpkin
2) compact plant, average growth, everything else looks normal
3) strong secondary growth already showing
4) insects seem to like this plant the most
5) main hits shade at 10 feet

6/3/2007 8:38:04 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

Seems like good and bad in both plants. What is the parentage of both?

eeny-meeny-miny-mo

6/3/2007 9:58:54 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

I have plenty of experience in overplanting a site and culling down to the one strongest plant. Generally I put in a 'chosen' seed that is proven and everything else is really only there in case of catastrophe with the 'chosen' (proven) seed. I favor that one even if it is not the strongest plant early. The 'men don't get separated from the boys' until after 30 days of fruit growth and there are plenty of stories of average or below average-looking plants turning out to be the real fruit producers late in the season. But if there is no proven seed, then go with whatever looks strongest to you. Survival of the fittest. From your description I'd keep Plant A - sounds more vigorous as long as you are sure it is not twinning/flatvining on you.

6/4/2007 7:01:16 AM