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Dillsburg, PA

I have pollinated two females so far and the flower stayed open long after pollination. In previous years I remember the flower closing on its own within eight hours. I would say over the last three years I had about a 90% success rate with pollination. This year the females on the Boyton 950.4 and 620 stayed open. I guess I could close it on my own but I have never had to do that in the past. The first fruit didn't grow after four days and was culled. I guess my question is does this (non closing flower)have any effect on the success of pollination? Thanks, Jeff

7/1/2004 3:59:17 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

I wouldn't think so BUT..if you left it open after pollination, you cannot be sure of the cross. If a bee comes along right behind you and deposits other pollen from another AG or in the same genus (Big Max, certain squashes), that could be the father.
Hmmm...I see a new thread.

7/1/2004 4:27:01 PM

Dillsburg, PA

Yes I agree with you southern. I should probably close them myself. I did use five males from the 950 to pollinate the 620 boyton.It just seems that if the female flower is still open the next day a problem might have occurred with pollination.I will see if I have a problem in my patch in the next few days because I have a female that was pollinated yesterday. Its flower stayed open also. Thanks

7/1/2004 4:39:56 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

you'll know if it set and took by watching it at 3 days or so afterwards. if after a few days, it is shiny and appears to be growing, you're good to go.
dull pumpkin skin is a sign that it probably didn't take.

7/1/2004 5:49:47 PM

Ypsilanti Michigan

Thanks fer the good word southern, my two pumpkins are shiny and have grown since two days after hand pollination. I thought I screwed up fer a minute.

7/1/2004 6:58:14 PM

Ga.

Jeff,,my 950 seems to be doing the same thing..Only problem I'm having is that the fruit must not be pollinated well enough..They are tending to have the blossom end,(tail) sticking straight up into the air..I have been letting the bees do the pollinating as it is just a main vine only plant..
Also,,in my 2nd year,,my 378 was left open,actually,didnt know it had bloomed til I found it..So I had 2 choices of pollination,,self,,or possibly the marrow which was blooming.Anyway,,my 378 didnt have seed...Just a thought..AG X Marrow = no seed???
Good Luck with your newly pollinated fruit..
Jeff

7/1/2004 11:21:18 PM