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Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Do you think I could I leave these on all day in the hot sun? Not sure if it would cool the plant or trap heat? Cup does not completely cover the female but the better part of her. I want to set up the rainbirds to automatically come on in the middle of the day and I am not going to be home to cover/uncover the newly pollinated females. I am close to being fully set and done on my pumpkins but am continuing to pollinate in the hopes of an even faster growing one.

7/17/2006 8:06:33 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Pman, nu-B here thinks that if you are not on an automated misting schedule, or under some type of shadeing, or under a cooler with ice,...that leaving a female trappped in that small of an enclosure (styro cup) would induce (produce) too much heat. Even with the white color of the cup,(reflecting the sun's rays) it seems like a real small space to trap a new born in. Don't bet yer bottom dollar on anything I say...but ??? Peace, Wayne
PS...Lost my best fruit again, today...made it to over 45" circ. this time, 17 days.... Starting to pollinate side vine fruit now....Guessing I can make it to 200# again this year!!!!!!! Peace, Wayne LOL or COL

7/17/2006 10:32:30 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

How do you get them to abort at that size? I would have thought you were in the clear at that day count and size. I was going to cull a 17 day of about that size for two smaller ones, but now you worry me. Does an aborting fruit of that size go down hill the same way as a 2 day old one?

On the styro cups... don't the pros use them to ensure they have a closed pollination? If so, then I would think it okay since they do it. The heat may not be as extreme though.

Got the fabric under two and two more tomorrow. Thanks and what is COL?

7/18/2006 2:00:40 AM

Mocksville, NC

its ok to leave the cup/ just make a small shade cloth over the cupped fem too! if it aborts it was going to anyways. shade cloth 4 small stakes cloth secured to the top to shade give enough room for air hope that helps

7/18/2006 7:33:48 AM

Mocksville, NC

Oh , and 2 to 3 days you can take cup off the deed is done!

7/18/2006 7:34:53 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Pman...no idea what is going on in my patch. Have lost several already at 12-15 days and 30" circ or more. I don't have any idea what is going on. COL is just like LOL except crying instead of laughing. Peace, Wayne

7/18/2006 7:48:26 AM