| |
|
Entry Date
|
Nick Name
|
Location
|
|
Thursday, September 11, 2025
|
|
Matt D.
|
Connecticut
|
 |
Entry 58 of 58 |
|
|
|
|
Day 90: F: 2154 Sperry '23 (x M: 2670 Thompson '24)
OTT = 457"
Est. Weight = 2,008 pounds
Avg. over last 10 days = 12.4 pounds per day
The pumpkin continues to grow and while it may be slowing by the tape by the estimation table it has just crossed the psychological benchmark of 2,000 pounds! Overall, this is very exciting and there have been some key aspects to this plant/pumpkin that are worth noting. More details will be given in future diary posts, but a key factor has been the seemingly resistance or at least tolerance to disease pressure.
Many growers focus on the pumpkin growth and while this is important the attention to disease resistance and problem free plant performance are other factors that are also very important and typically ignored in the breeding process.
Even though larger pumpkins than this one have been grown, two key factors to this plant have been a tolerance to Powdery Mildew and lack of splitting.
The stem (shown here) has maintained not only a youthful appearance even at 90+ days old, but is free of any major cracks or splits. The tolerance to powdery mildew has reduced the need for chemical sprays which not only is a great trait to see, but also helps to reduce the leaf aging from repeated chemical applications.
Also, the pollinator was a great growing plant (for another grower) so there is the possibility to catch two key giant pumpkin traits.
|
|
|
