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North Smithfield, RI USA

Could the cause for so many splits be excessive watering, Ferts and the extra hot weather this year ?

8/18/2005 7:25:51 PM

Rhode Island

all things contribute to splits ( blossom and stem )
most splits we have encountered happened around 4 to 500 lbs when the fruit was still young

some happened after a change in temp ( cool spell back to hot )

some blossom ends blew because the walls could not handle the dailt weight gains

and we have also had a pin hole through the blossoms at 8 to 900 lbs - go figure

yes i agree that excessive growth spurts due to any condition will run the risk of blowing a blossom or stem split

and then there are those seed stocks that have a history of a higher percentage of blowouts ( remember no one ever blew out a season ending 400 lb pumpkin due to excessive growth)

we have had our best success with fruit that average 30 to 32 a day at their peak
but, if you want a world champion you really need that 37 to 40 for a while also

we walk a tight rope during the above period but the reward is worth the risk

dick

8/19/2005 7:28:35 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

We have had 2 split so far this season. One was going along nicely, with just enough water to keep it going and little added fertilizer. It took a sudden, unexplained growth spurt and split. The other one had not gotten as much water, then we got a big shot of rain and the blossom end split wide open. I think the sudden increase of water was just too much.

8/19/2005 11:02:49 AM

Ontario, Canada.

It is aggravated by soil moisture fluctuations. If water is limiting, plant growth slows and subsequently, nutrient uptake is reduced. This reduces calcium concentrations in the plant since calcium is carried through the plant in the water flow. Because calcium is carried along in the water stream, those plant parts that are transpiring most rapidly will receive the most calcium. This is often the oldest leaves since they are the largest. Developing fruit is least likely to receive the calcium it needs. Moisture stress that results in even partial wilting of the crop is enough to cause a calcium deficiency. Once moisture is available, the plant resumes regular growth but calcium uptake continues to lag and the rapidly-expanding plant doesn’t have enough calcium to develop properly. Applying nitrogen as ammonium also appears to directly affect calcium uptake

8/19/2005 12:42:41 PM

Western NY

of the (over 15) pumpkins that i've grown to over 500 pounds, i've only had 2 blossom end splits - my 499 from last year, and one just the other day, estimating high 500's. the 499 just had a weak blossom end, and was only growing around 15# per day when it happened. the other fruit on that plant (600 est.) split at a deep rib underneath the fruit late september. maybe it was just something with that plant. this year, i totally blame myself for losing one of my nicest fruit in years. i believe if i had supported the sides better, the fruit would not have split. you just never know, though. won't make that mistake again.

last year i had more stem splits than all the previous years conbined. this year none. the main difference? warm nights this year, and a very cold summer last year.

8/19/2005 12:43:57 PM

North Smithfield, RI USA

Thanks for the info guys !

8/19/2005 6:40:14 PM

Montoursville, PA

No stem splits this year. I reduced the spring inputs, to the soil, of all additives. Nothing, in the early spring except a bit of left over compost and a half pound, of organic Fertrel 4-2-4 placed in the nusery.

In the previous two years I had 100% stem splits. Nothing this year except small growth splits that heal quickly. I think nitrogen from any source can become excess, in a hurry in the cooler spring. I feel that synthetic ferts can greatly increase or excite growth without the natural life supporting total needs to grow the healhy plant. To much organic nitrogen from any source can cause fast weak growth just the same as any source. Less may be best at least until the fruit is well into the grow.

8/21/2005 6:59:39 AM

Wv

i try to water evenly i this dry season, but one night a big storm hit. the next morning i discovered a volleyball sized pumpkin had split in 4 places.

8/21/2005 3:44:39 PM