Re: SPEC & PCN: 2 QUESTIONS

From: HIPSource@aol.com

In a message dated 3/12/99 11:16:47 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ambrosia@silk.net writes:

<<  My first question is whether Gerald Darby is usually fertile? the reason
for
 asking is that in the past I have never got any seed pods on GD but this
 last year I did get several pods set on one branch. The seeds appeared to be
 full but when I cracked away the outer seed covering the inside appreared
 shrunken but the seed otherwise solid and normal.>.

Leroy, for some reason I cannot access the List Archives at this moment but I
will take a whack at answering your question from memory. It has come up on
this list before. The registration information in the 1969 AIS checklist on
this iris says:

GERALD DARBY (Coe for G. Darby deceased, R.'68.) SIB-LA 30", June, V1D. Blue-
purple self; twisted red stems. Flowers of Siberian;  growth habit of I.
foliosa. Orientalis x probably two LA hybrids. Norton Hall '67.

I. foliosa is now known as I brevicaulis. 

So, this iris is of unknown parentage and genetic make-up but the informed
speculation is that it is not only an inter-specific hybrid, but also an
inter-series hybrid. I have distinct memories of having read about it being
sterile, but within the last couple of years on this list Dennie Hager
reported the formation of seeds, as I recall open pollenated in the context of
many beardless irises of various kinds, and he indicated that he intended to
try to germinate them and grow them on. I do not recall hearing the eventual
outcome of this operation. If viable, I would not anticipate their being
difficult to germinate since seeds of both series germinate with alacrity when
their requirements are met. So, yes,  it is known to set seed.

<< I have PCNs grown from SIGNA seed. They were simply labeded PCNs Mixed. All
of the resultant plants are evergreen in habit and of mixed colors, yellow,
mauve, red, tans even some whites and colors in between. The foliage is thin
and very shiny and plants grow about 12" maybe a little taller for some. What
would be heritage of these PCNs as to species? Which PCNs are dormant?>>

I personally know very little about the native irises of the Pacific Coast and
even less of the hybridizing activity associated with these irises. Nor can I
speculate about dormancy in PCN and its genetic foundations, or how this trait
may manifest in any group of seeds from any population of individuals, whether
species, natural hybrids or other. Because these irises tend to be difficult
to grow outside of their native range, we have had very few discussions of
them on the list. I suggest that you might address your question to the
President of the Society for Pacific Coast Native Irises, who is Jay Hudson.
His information is in the front of the current Bulletin on p.3. 

Anner Whitehead
HIPSource@aol.com




 
 Well, actually thats three questions, I had to sneak that last one in there.
 
 Leroy Kriese  Ambrosia Gardens  Vernon, BC  CANADA    Zone 5
 http://www.silk.net/personal/ambrosia/index.htm
 http://www.icangarden.com/catalogue/ambrosia.htm
  >>

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