Re: test gardens
iris@hort.net
  • Subject: Re: test gardens
  • From: P* A* <p*@mindspring.com>
  • Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:39:31 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
I agree and the Test Garden could be a way to also new, younger hybridizers to try their hand at it.  This would get their feet wet in a way and expose them to the possibilty.  They would also feel like they are important because others are aware of their opinions, observations and efforts.  they would also be seeing new traits on the cutting edge of development.  Some may simply want to be involved in just the evaluation process.  That alone increases membership.

As a breeder it has been difficult to breed the flower traits I want with the right groth characteristics.  Then if I find one it won't set seed with what I want to corss it with.  if it does they just turn out poorly.  I have reason also for what I use.

The program would help hybridizers to select cultivars that are also "more perfect" in a growabilty way as well yet still retian the qualities they are looking for in the flower before they are passed on to to the general public.

>Some of us are concerned that there aren't enough young/younger hybridizers
>joining the quest for new irises.  Maybe we're misreading the situation, but
>it's a serious concern for some.  Some iris lovers/growers think the breeding
>process is long and complicated so they don't want to get involved.  When
>reading the archives, I would think that many people would be convinced that
>it's very complicated and something THEY could never do, when it can be,
>truly, a very simple process. It's been my goal (and others) to promote hybridizing as a fun and
>exciting process.  It's my wish that we, collectively, do nothing to scare off new
>hybridizers, especially not rebloom breeders!   Everyone should grow at least
>ONE row of seedlings!  ;-)  (soap box)
>
>As the system exists, there is a process for filtering the bad irises out of
>the AIS system.
>
>1) Various people register and offer thousands of irises for sale each year.
>No one buys them all.
>2) Hybridizers use whatever they choose as breeding material.  This is where
>the filter belongs (in my opinion.)  Serious hybridizers will do their
>research.  Casual hybridizers simply cross what catches their attention in
>their own garden.  Beautiful things sometimes result from this plan!  You
>(general you) might not agree with what I use in my program but I assure you I
>have a reason for everything I use.  (Me or other hybridizers.)
>3)  What criteria are people using when they buy irises?  When a hybridizer
>accidentally uses an inferior plant in their breeding program, and it's genes
>are expressed in the children, why do people buy them?
>
>New developments are hard to share if there is not some accepted level of
>"inferiority."  Hybridizers take these "imperfect" cultivars, add them to
>their lines, and SELECT a slightly more perfect cultivar.  At least this is
>the goal.  Awe, goals!

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