Re: Hybridizing for gardenability
- To: Iris Talk List
- Subject: Re: Hybridizing for gardenability
- From: C* S*
- Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 17:54:24 -0800
From: Chad Schroter <Chad.Schroter@quantum.com>
A pretty flower does not have to be on a poor grower, any more than
all those that grow like weeds have ugly flowers. It's just that there are
many examples of the 'pretty face syndrome' which can frustrate growers in
regions different from the plants origins etc. It's obvious that many
irisarian's don't mind pampering these plants, but this thread is not really
aimed at those people. This topic is for those of us who would like to grow
their iris in the regular garden environment, and not feel we have to be
Iris specialists to enjoy the cutting edge of these flowers. There are many
examples of top notch flowers on great plants, just not in all colors,
patterns etc.
I would agree with the poster who stated that making life tough on
seedlings very early on may not be a good thing - we want to select for
strong growers as Adults, not as necessarily as infants. Once the seedlings
are large enough to begin divisions though, I say let the games begin.
In selecting seedlings to keep for breeding, it might be just as
logical to keep one which grows like a weed, but is 'beauty challenged' as a
pretty flower which grows poorly. It all depends on the goals of the
breeder.
By default I will make life as tough as I can on my seedlings - real
estate will force my hand in terms of spacing. We don't get the cold, but
winter wet will hopefully root out some of the rotter's. Among tightly
grouped plants leaf spot is almost a guarantee, those with any resistance
will be easy to pick out.
I believe that if you start with good plants - free of major faults
- and keep high standards for the seedling's your breeding lines will only
improve with time. There can be no shortcuts.
Chad Schroter
Los Gatos CA Zone 9
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