TB: HYB: Crossing to improve vigour / branching / bud count

> 5) Cross with best available iris (in color) with some similarity in
> parentage.
> 	This cross should return better results than 2), and be similar to
> 3)

Why do you think that a cross with a 'distant cousin' would be
substantially better than a sibling cross?  If a sibling and a cousin
both show better branching, I'd think the sibling might be more
likely to retain the 'recessive' gene that produces good flower form
and pass it on to the next generation, than a 'distant cousin.'  Yes,
inbreeding increasing the chances of passing along two recessive
genes that can cause weaknesses, but can also cause good things to
happen.  I'd think that a sibling cross would produce some of each,
but that a 'distant cousin' cross might not produce the desired
effect, since you are even less sure that it would carry the 'recessive'
gene for the good flower form you are seeking.

This is just from strict biological principles, and I have NO
iris hybridization experience, so PLEASE feel free to correct me
here.

--Amy

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