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Rush, NY

My good grower friend Alan Nesbitt informed me that I'm trying to re-invent the wheel with my trial to determine which direction the main runner will travel.He told me that somewhere on the internet in 1997 Chris Anderson posted results of a study he did. At the tip of the seed there is a tiny "airhole" and the tip points in the opposite direction. The first leaf grows opposite the airhole and the main runner goes opposite the first true leaf. In summary, if you plant the seed flat, the main runner will be on the side of the "airhole". Alan said he tested this out last year and it was 100% correct. If anyone knows where Chris Andersons report can be found, please post the information.

5/13/2001 3:54:05 PM

Rush, NY

Rock Rivard sent me a copy of Chris Anderson's report. I'm not sure what I posted above is correct. I'm going to see Alan Nesbitt tomorrow and will review the report with him. Will let you know next weekend if the above info is correct.

5/14/2001 4:46:22 AM

Roanoke Il

Len If you have power to the patch just place a spot light in the direction in witch you want the pumpkin to grow right before the vining stage 2 or 3 days the pumpkin will lean to the light and start running in that direction. I've done this for the past 2 year and and all plants have followed the light. Hope this helps. mark

5/14/2001 6:39:43 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

No real trick here, the plant can be trained to grow in whatever direction you want, just use small sticks to guide it in the direction you want.

Glenn Peters

5/15/2001 3:26:58 PM

Rush, NY

I have now learned that pumpkin seeds have 2 "Airholes" near the seeds tip or sprout end. I have been growing pumpkins for 35 years and just learned about "seed airholes".
I need to use a 10X magnifying glass to see the smallest airhole right at the seed tip, but it is there. On most seeds I can see the larger airhole a short distance from the tip without the glass.
So, it depends on what airhole you are referring to when predicting the direction of the first true leaf. Chris Anderson says it will be on the same side of the Largest airhole. Alan Nesbitt now says he probably marked his plant containers on the side of the smallest airhole(at the tip).
I will continue with my experiment and will not report again until completed. I will record the Main runner direction(relative to first true leaf) for my 10 Giant type plants and 24 Burpee Prizewinners.

5/21/2001 6:25:36 AM