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Springfield, Missouri

I posted to Donkin's Chemical Vs Organic discussion, but I thought this post might deserve its own thread. There are a lot of great growers out there that have helped me by sharing information, and I want to share what I have come across in hopes that it may help others.

Just as a side note I have never used calcium acetate, but I plan to in 2015. The primary literature that I have read through suggests very rapid calcium uptake with the use of calcium acetate. Some species form calcium oxalate (CaOx) both to store calcium, and as a defense against insects. It is unclear if Cucurbita would form this compound, or how it would affect cells and growth in pumpkins.

The uptake of acetate by the plants also seems to be substantial. Some single cell algae can use acetate as a carbon source like CO2. Studies with plants suggest acetate is metabolized into CO2 within the cell. CO2 in theory would then be incorporated into the Calvin Cycle (photosynthesis).

I have ranted before on how there is no way for cal-carb to work the way it claims to due to the solubility rules of calcium carbonate (seriously look it up). CO2 PRODUCED BY CAL-CARB IS MINIMAL, CO2 PRODUCED BY ACETATE COULD BE HUGE. Do some research don't take my word for it, but this could be what it takes to break 2300lbs!

Food for though,
Logan

10/27/2014 2:25:41 AM

Springfield, Missouri

I don't suggest the use of acetic acid (vinegar) as this would drastically change pH of plant tissue, and likely kill the plant. Calcium acetate would be more pH neutral. Should have added that the TCA cycle is how acetate is utilized as a primary carbon source.

To all you southern growers, this could give us a level playing field with the northern guys. If what I'm reading is true calcium acetate would curb photorespiration. For those of you who don't know about photorespiration, it is the process that occurs when leaves wilt, and it results in a net loss of energy.

The way that calcium acetate would prevent photorespiration is two-fold. First calcium helps with water, and nutrient transfer within the plant. If Cucurbita are able to metabolize acetate as a carbon source it would eliminate the need to process sugar for energy (photorespiration). If photoresp is eliminated the higher heat would actually allow southern growers to produce similar levels of photosynthates (sugars) as northern guys with their longer days.

10/27/2014 2:55:14 AM

BC, Canada

I think maybe IanP posted, in his diary?, about using calcium acetate. When Ian post- I do some reading, even if it is about a barbecue!

10/27/2014 1:37:56 PM

Springfield, Missouri

I went through IanP's diary for the last few years, and there was nothing on calcium acetate. Ian does use calcium nitrate, which is another soluble form of calcium.

10/27/2014 9:52:34 PM