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Ny, Ny

October 4, 2007

Dear pumpkin-growers:

Our group in the mathematics department at New York University is interested in
calculating the maximum force a pumpkin can support. To do so, we are seeking data
from accomplished growers on pumpkin rind thicknesses.

Specifically, we seek:
1. the maximum thickness of the pumpkin rind and its location on the pumpkin (probably on shoulders)
2. the minimum thickness of the rind and its location on the pumpkin (probably near blossom or stem end)
3. the weight, circumference and Over-the-Top measurements of the pumpkin
4. any pictures of the cut open melon. Preferably a cross-section view like those below.
It would be great to see the cross-section in the other direction as well (by cutting a plane through the stem and blossom).
Please include a ruler in frame for a reference.

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thicknesses on pumpkins of all sizes, 50-1600 pounds, we welcome. For more info, see: http://www.cims.nyu.edu/~dhu/pumpkin.html

Many thanks,
David Hu
[email protected]
617 306 2472

10/4/2007 3:58:49 AM

[email protected]

I had the pleasure of meeting David this past Sunday at Penfield. His work could serve us all very well in our quest for ONE TON.

Consider this:

It does little good to breed a 30% heavy fruit into our lines if most of that weight is in the shoulders but the blossom end is still 10% light & she splits. All that is gained is a heavy splitter. Most of us have seen a few of those.

Since we'll all be harvesting seeds soon we might as well also document the shell thickness at strategic locations & send images to David. Maybe we can set up a single Gallery or Diary here at BP to tabulate the most pertinent details?

10/4/2007 9:33:07 AM

western Kentucky

Dr Hu,

I sent you an e-mail with a little informaiton in it. Along with a few images.

Justin Peek

10/4/2007 6:25:34 PM