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Las Cruces NM

I culed my only set but for just cause (can't grow there). I had thought I had others set, but the aborted. I might have some chance next week as temps are predicted to drop into low 90s. Really don't want to wait till end of Aug for a polination again, so I decided to try an experiment with the cooler trick.

Stuck the bottom of cooler upside down on the glass table in the shade. I did table so I could look underneath to see how the ice bottle was fairing over time (need to know how long it will last). I know cooler makes sence, but stuck in a thermal probe and after one hour it reads 90 (my regular outside thermometer reads 107 ... might be correct as we are in hot part of desert, but I'll put out another thermoter).

Questions: I know I read 75-85 as goal, but what are chances of 90 allowing polin down the polen tubes? Or is it that temp effects fertility of the polen? How long does it need to be at lower temps to ensure polination? What about other methods? suggestions? Anyone try a drip or wet towel on kin?

I have other cases to try -- don't mind experimentating as that is what I do LOL. plan to put cooler in the sun as that is closer to actual conditions. And another rigging up the cooler bottom to see if I can get more cooling. Any suggestions apreaciated!

7/10/2011 2:29:10 PM

El Paso TX.

Think you'll be ok with 90 - if you get out there early in the AM. before the temp gets that high it will probably actually set before the temp gets that high and the cooler just keeps it a bit cooler afterwards so it doesn't abort I've got 4 set (2 were during the hot streak we had a few weeks ago and they still took - though had 2 others that aborted) and 2 others were in the last few days since we've had a bit lower temps (mid 90's - low 100's)

7/10/2011 3:10:29 PM

Las Cruces NM

Thanks JD -- I still think we need to get togeather sometime! I feel bad about culling the one I had but was sure the shiney july ones took -- needed to wait another week! I still needed to cull that one regardless.

7/10/2011 3:32:34 PM

Simi valley, ca

Wow those are some high temps! I have had many successful pollination's in the heat ! I live in so cal ,& it gets hot here too! I like to shade the pumpkin days before the pollination & i use a self made cover that's about 3x 4 ft made out of PVC & its stands 3 ft up , I will also use one of theses over stump ! Put the 1 gallon frozen water bottle under the ice chest ,BUT BE CAREFUL < As not a big difference in tempters under there compared to out side , I tryed putting a thermometer under once & it was like 65 * ,,I dont think thats a good idea !! Maybe like 75*-85* is best ! dont let bottle touch pumpkin ! cool the area down with hose ! IF your home that day ,Cool tyhe area down several times ,& the following days as well ! Good luck!

7/10/2011 5:24:42 PM