Re: HYB: more seeds vs less seeds

In a message dated 1/21/2006 6:46:21 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
flatnflashy@yahoo.com writes:
 
Christian, I've got lots of theories!  <vbg>  Thought I'd  run this one past 
you.  
 
Line up <figuratively> all the flat irises you have.  (pod  parents) Cross as 
many of the carriers onto them as you can, with a goal of 1  pod per cross, 
averaging about 35 seed.  Since I don't know your stock of  flats and carriers 
I've no clue how many this might be.  But you did say  the flatties tend to be 
sterile.  Check for viable pollen and make crosses  even on stuff you think 
is sterile.  Sometimes you just might catch them in  the right mood!  At least 
it works with regular TB that are fussy.   You could get lucky.  
 
When these sprout, plant the strongest 4-10 (if you can tell) and pitch the  
rest.  This generation is not about reaching your goal.  It's about  combining 
genes and getting good parents.  You will have a seedling patch  full of 
potential flatties.  
 
Select for all the qualities you want in your line, branching, bud count .  . 
. whatever.  And cross them back.  This could be the right time to  step up 
the seed count so that you have more seedlings when it comes selection  time.  
Use the one with the best branching, etc. when possible.  
 
 
 


 
Make more  crosses!  If you don't cross them, you can't  plant  them! 
Betty W. in South-central KY Zone 6 ---
Bridge In Time Iris  Garden@website:
_www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/_ 
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