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Upa Creek, MO

Hello, I have 2 plants at about 15 feet long and 7 feet sidevines on one side. Is it common for females to abort when in this rapid growth stage? They get anywhere from the size of a pea to a marble and then rot off. Not one has flowered yet.

Is this a genetic thing, nutrient imbalance or common? The temps haven't been too hot either. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

6/15/2011 7:49:19 PM

Ohio

Luke, you probably know this, but using a lot of nitrogen will do that to females, and also direct spray of pesticides and fungicides will do it also, whats your PH?,and how often have you been using fertilizer/pesticides/fungicides?

6/15/2011 8:24:45 PM

Rhode Island

dont know where your at soil wise but i do know that there is no need to fertalize during pollination period because this hurts your chances for good pollinations.good advise by brooks b.

6/15/2011 8:49:15 PM

Rhode Island

ps----a bit early for pollinating anyways so time to correct is on your side

6/15/2011 8:50:05 PM

Joliet, IL

Luke, how hot was it last week when thos females were developing in either plain site or curled up tight in the cluster. My guess is most of them. I lost 50 percent of females on my mains with some just showing the signs of the effect as of yesterday. The rest now look good and growing better now. The ones that aborted early were exactly what you described. We had 3 straight days here over 97. I misted, had shade cloth, tables over the females. Still lost many prime ones. Keep trying. Last year many up north had this issue they never had to deal with but theb heat last year killed many of small females before they ever got there chance to develope or still aborted. It is your critical zone now so. Ow make sure to run a fan on the small devdeloping females if you have to with shade over them and keep cool. Put a bag of ice between the fan and the blossom on pollination day. Best of luck.

6/15/2011 9:29:09 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks guys. My soil tests were pretty good, but the PH was a litle high around 7.7 but probably dropped after I added some ammonium sulfate as a N boost. I did the soil test when it was cold (march) so I really don't know what the nitrogen levels are now (heard it unlocks when warmer). Plants are a nice green, but the sides are stunted on one side (maybe too much N). I have been using a spot pesticide once a week, systemic (Bayer) once every 3 weeks, and hit the plants with Banner fungicide for the first time tonight. I'll stop using any ferts except maybe an occasional 2-4-1 Neptunes for now. Shaz, yes last week we were +95 most days but this week was in the 80's. We are about to hit the long spell of 90+ till August so I'll keep them shaded and get some fans going. Luke

6/15/2011 10:30:13 PM

Midwest

Maybe the plant is still in the vegetating stage and not ready for the females? The prime time for pollinating is in about a week. Hope you have success with the next one.

6/16/2011 1:16:58 AM

Buffalo, New York

i could be wrong, but i agree with The Bills fan (Pap)....too early for pollination.

6/16/2011 9:32:40 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I agree about not pollinating yet. I just am trying to figure out as to why they self abbort. I just got my knife sharpened and wanted to put it to good use!

6/16/2011 9:59:39 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

We like to use windshield covers over the females to reduce the heat...haZ worked well....along with even moisture....

6/16/2011 2:43:49 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Come to think of it, I have only had one male blossom on all 3 plants and both are 16 feet now. Any ideas on no males either? I don't want to just grow salad.

6/16/2011 10:03:54 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Luke, mine largest is jut now at 10 ft. but I've had lots of males! Meet me at the KY lake!!!! BSD, David

6/17/2011 9:54:25 PM