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Grittyville, WA

I appreciate mobeymikes thoughts on this if you watch his YouTube videos he explains his thoughts well.

I thought it might be worth pointing out that some secondaries have an exceptionally strong connection to the main. I'm not sure how a grower might use an exceptionally strong secondary but I thought I'd point out a secondary that I think is stronger than average. I think this is what a secondary that is stronger than average looks like:

http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=324981

(Forgive my plant for not being the best plant on bigpumpkins... But I think it does show how there can be differences in strength.)

http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=324981

6/15/2021 12:55:09 PM

Grittyville, WA

I didnt need to link that twice :)

6/15/2021 12:56:13 PM

Watlington, UK

Other than filling in the space with a tertiary from a neighbouring strong secondary, I'm not sure how culling a weak secondary can be a good thing?

6/15/2021 5:24:00 PM

Grittyville, WA

Yes it could contribute a small number of pounds. If you were in the 2500 pound club I'm not sure youd want to remove anything... the smallest contribution might put you over 2600. It's an interesting science question. Mobeymike puts a biblical spin on it too... but I can think of a bible quote to counter his biblical reference. He refers to cutting less fruitful branches but what if this the correct approach. To value the weakest parts:

"For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

6/15/2021 9:02:41 PM

Grittyville, WA

Luke 9:48. I'm sure I'm making a big mess here by mixing religion and pumpkins. I think the correct answer could be a bit of both. The weak secondaries might contribute less. It doesn't necessarily mean they will steal energy or contribute nothing. But it's true they may never be able contribute as much as a strong secondary, even if they were coaxed into appearing to be strong the connection to the main would still be weak. I'll buy that.

6/15/2021 9:12:47 PM

Syracuse, NY

They cannot ALL be so-called strong secondaries - at least not all at once, else we'd have immediately-square pumpkin plants.
That'd make for an easy vine pattern, at least! eg

6/16/2021 10:32:10 AM