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Ontario, Canada.

Reading recently I discovered some interesting studies about fruit growth and sink source relationship. One of them mentioned about fruit size in relation to the number of leaves closest to the fruit truss node or junction. The study identified a retlanship in tomatoes that demonstrated larger fruit growth was noticed when the leaves nearest this junction were left in place.

I know most of us simply hack that leaf right off, but is this really required. I plan this season to train that leaf away from the fruit and let grow.

Is It possible that in removing this leaf to early on we are damaging the plants internal distribution network so close to such an imporotant junction?

5/8/2008 10:05:40 AM

Western NY

I love it when the leaf at the pumpkin node comes out straight up. I leave those on as long as I can, especially because it's the quickest route to the fruit when foliar feeding.

5/8/2008 11:04:30 AM

Jericho Vermont

Last year we had a beautiful pumpkin that was a nice solid orange color and smooth skin that unfortunately had a huge scar on the side of it. This huge scar was caused by a broken leaf stem that rubbed just once or twice against the young pumpkin when it was smaller than a tennis ball. We have all walked through the patch and felt the course texture of the leaves and stems but I never imagined the scar potential. So, in my opinion, if you are trying to grow smooth and pretty make sure to take care of all leaves that can come into touch with the pumpkin before the fruit gets injured.
John

5/8/2008 11:40:02 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

Russ,
Interesting. Maybe the sidevines closest to the pumpkin are the ones we need to concentrate on more. Maybe let these grow out longer.

5/8/2008 1:09:15 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

Last year some guy in RI, Jutras something, grew a big one on a vine where the leaf was removed.

5/9/2008 3:26:42 PM