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Newmarket, NH USA

I have asked 2 of the top growers in the world there opinion on fruit circumference measurment at 14 days. They both dont feel this is to important. I was told about 5 years ago that 36 inches was important. What do you think and how many of you check them at the 14 day mark?

7/10/2008 9:03:20 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

The Ailts Landry benchmark for 2007 looks for a CC of 27" at day 10. 36" on day 14 should be pretty easy to hit. As for the importance, it is true that the first benchmarks are less important than the later ones.

7/10/2008 9:08:26 AM

Preston CT

It might not matter for the top growers like PAP, who don't measure until August 1 and their at 500-600lbs, but for newbies like me I have to measure everyday. This is where the fun is. I am at 48.25 on 14days. This is my biggest in 3 years so I am excited!

7/10/2008 9:27:11 AM

ipswich, ma usa

Matt

Cut it off now and weigh it before it explodes!! That's way to big! You don't want to push it.....LOL :)

John (5150)

7/10/2008 10:07:43 AM

Waquoit Mass

my 1340 had unimpressive 14 day mark matt dont sweat it hamr

7/10/2008 11:15:58 AM

Indiana

If you have normal weather, I would think you want to have 42 inches minimum. If it has been cool, you will get extra days growth and 36" may be acceptable.

I have had 5 go over 1000, and that seems to be my cutoff.

I personally do every 5 days and my 15 day measurement I like to see 47"+ I also would consider my early growth rates slower than most in the midwest. I am luck to have 350 lbs at 30 days on a fruit that ends up over 1000. 335 is the average day 30 OTT estimated weight for me for over 1000 lbs.

7/10/2008 1:01:48 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Good info Tom!

7/10/2008 2:21:40 PM

Clinton, Iowa

personally I really feel that the truth be told on just how great a fruit will be is how it does the following 7 days after it reaches 500 pounds. whether it reaches 500 on day 40 or day 30 .....doesn;t matter....what i have seen here is any fruit putting on 150 pounds or more over the 7 days after it measure 296" OTT ( think that is 500# est) has made it to 1000 or more. The fruits that put on close to 150 like 135 or 140...all came up just short of the magical 4 digit mark. the best ones did 260 to 270 pounds and ended up around 1400 plus and mid 1350 both picked before they reached 70 days old. do to problems.
Yea the early growth are important BUt the real thing MArc and watch and record is what those 7 days bring. Ask Alan Nesbit ,. I think it held true with him last year when he watched his fruit. I am not saying this is a guideline for everyone. I just know it works for us here in clinton iowa. For what it's worth. Of course major issues can skew the results as in hail or vine rots and such but you get the picture.
DAN Carlson

7/10/2008 11:53:27 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Thanks for that info. Dan, it will be something to keep in mind.

7/11/2008 3:23:14 PM