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Aromas, CA

Based on my lifter's schedules I have to cut the night before a contest. I know some of you travel long distances. Has anyone studied weight loss once you cut? What's the trick with keeping a water bag or something on the vine after cutting?
Steve

9/9/2004 3:13:07 PM

Hilpoltstein, Bavaria, Germany

In past years I found that a fruit will lose 0.8kg per day.

Martin

9/9/2004 5:19:39 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

1) Leave the vine long enough so that it can be submersed into a container of water.

OR
2) Use plastic bags filled with water & rubber bands to hold them in place.

9/9/2004 7:27:38 PM

Rexburg, Idaho

Last year I lost 7 pounds in 48 hours. It also traveled 1100 miles in the back of pickup, uncovered to show off along the way.

9/9/2004 7:57:23 PM

Sequim, WA

You don't lose as much weight from evaporation and transpiration as you lose by missing one nights growth. That is the real issue. Last year the pumpkin I took to the Puyallup fair was the 4th place fruit by 7 lbs. It had been averaging about 11 lbs. a day at the time and was harvested the evening before the contest. Joel Holland was able to harvest his the day of the fair and his placed 3rd. 3rd place takes home $400 and 4th place gets $50 at that contest. I don't do this for the money, but it would be nice if it paid for itself occasionally. If you are taking a fruit that you think may place high in the contest then keep it going until the last possible moment. Otherwise harvest when it is convenient and the help is available. I saved my largest fruit for the last available contest last year because I had a target weight I wanted to achieve and felt I needed another week or two of growth, no matter how slow, to get it. It worked out. I have seen the bags of water used but think it does little to help. I somehow always manage to mangle the vines while harvesting and loading so have never use this technique. You may want to thow a wet towel over the fruit if this is a big concnern for you.

9/9/2004 7:57:49 PM

Deer Park, WI

I have a few tricks and i'll tell ya so long as you dont tell everyone :) I also harvest the night before, due to long drives to weigh offs. So once the vine is cut, i immediately Silicone each side of the vine. Some duct tape the gallon water jugs to each side, but i dont like the idea. its cumbersome. Silicone guarantees there wont be water loss thru the vine/stem. Secondly, I wrap the fruit and pallet in shrink wrap. You'll notice by morning that the shrinkwrap is full of condensation from evaporation. The shrinkwrap cuts back on evaporative loss. Thanks to doc for that suggestion. Good luck!

9/9/2004 9:08:24 PM

Aromas, CA

Thanks everyone!
Steve

9/10/2004 11:31:12 AM