AG Color Genetics
After watching the west coast seminar video on AG color, here is what I
gleaned from it-
There are 3 genes (probably more) that influence color. The first is an
orange/cream/white gene termed "B". Second is the recessive squash green
gene termed "b". The third gene is the beautiful red color, termed the "R"
gene.
It's hard to pin down which strains actually contain the R gene. Many
believe the 801 and 567 have it, but there is no way of knowing for sure.
Hybrid Prizewinners Surly have the R gene, as they always throw red fruit.
Here is how the genetics USUALLY work: Big B is dominant over little b,
meaning when you cross a squash with a creamy/orange/white, you usually get
creamy. Big B appears to be dominant or Co-dominant with R. When you cross
a big B and R, the results are a mix of cream and red, with the offspring of
this cross showing a mix of cream and red fruit (567 offspring?)
And in the final situation, R gene is EVENTUALLY DOMINANT over little b,
with one little catch... According to the speakers, this appears to be a
special situation where the green gene (little b) is displayed throughout
the growing season. The fruit grow as a squash until Aug-Sept, where the R
gene kicks in. Just like a field pumpkin, the color of the skin will
transform into red.
This has huge implications, as green skin photosynthesizes. This is one
possible explanation for the over the chart heavyness squash typically
display.
Developing this type of seed would be ideal for growers. A fruit that grows
solid like a squash, and finishes up the year Orange.
I put the advice of the speakers to work in my patch last year and made a
cross including a hybrid prizewinner and a true green Stellpflug squash. I
plan on growing out a few of these to determine whether or not this works.
If anyone else is interested in helping me on this, i have plenty of seed to
share with you. Email me.
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