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Netherlands

In our quest for that elusive monster pumpkin, we invent, implement and experiment. But is there a scientific way to judge the results? Does mycchorizae actually work on all soil types? Some say it is redundant in some soil types and climates. Does compost tea work? Do we really know what we are producing and does it match the requirements of the plant and pumpkin?

The latest thing seems to be grafting. Now I can't imagine grafting an AG onto anything else. So some graft two plants onto each other. I'm very curious to know if that is disadvantageous or advantageous. Who knows the science behind it and who has results?

7/26/2012 10:38:58 AM

Netherlands

I have tried planting all kinds of root crops close to together and the combined produce was less than that of the single plant. Is this true of two pumpkin plants battling each other in close proximity through grafting also? If so, it would be the last thing we would want to do. Or is it adding just that little big of extra juice?

7/26/2012 10:40:29 AM

experiments are just that hooking vines together who knows without trying .wonder who first buried a vine. or pruned a vine. germplasm modifying it goes on and on ive heard your opinion on it and your entitled to that
no one would ever know the answer to your questions if they didnt invent and try

7/26/2012 11:14:47 AM

Rhode Island

dutch

i think the only way we can judge our results/methods is at the scales.we can check the plants nutrient supply with tissue testing. which is as far as we go at the moment however,its not always the biggest fruit that wins. many times it the one thats the thickest.

if we as growers can find a way to
1. extend the normal growing pattern (season)
and
2. have a sure fire way to guarentee a thick pumpkin
then i think we have a winning combination.

greenhouses do help extend the season,but most of us do not grow in large greenhouses. we are exposed to all weather conditions.
as far as grafting goes? id still rather plant a good proven seed.no clones either.
some seeds can produce pumpkins that will grow over 40 plus pounds a day at their max. if we went any higher? they would all blow.thats why i like the thicker is better approach.
personally? if i had a ton of money ( i dont lol ) id develop a hydroponic system and feed the plant based on a diet consistant with maximum health and growth determined by weekly tissue testing.

until i hit mega bucks though. ill continue with the tried and true method.

pap

7/26/2012 11:34:59 AM

Colorado

dutch -good questions .I have wondered myself cause we only have antidotal evidence on tea and mycho.Its a monkey see monkey do hobby.Ive wondered about grafting a extra plant into the equation-dont really have the room.I'm sure its coming.I'd say grow a 1789 wallace if you want more roots.

7/26/2012 12:56:31 PM

The North Coast

The hydro system is the holy grail...my next pumpkin garden will be hydro but who knows when that would be. I would love to start a new thread just to brainstorm the idea but everyone is pretty busy these days.

A holier holy grail would be hydro, grown in warehouse, with HID's, computer monitored nutrient solution and total climate control...anyone have about $25,000 to spare? If I win the lottery it's on.

7/26/2012 1:05:00 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

someday itZ coming...my first AG grafted onto an redwood didnt take.....back to the drawing board....I must beat CoJoe....! Or die trying....lol

7/26/2012 1:14:52 PM

Rhode Island

i persobally would like to graft an atlantic giant with a zuc (spelling) squash.
everyone that ever grew these zukes knows how big and how fast they grow, plus they are solid as well?
try it biz and let me know.
pap

7/27/2012 6:19:34 PM