Re: genetics
Steve and Troy,
I mentioned earlier that every year i change my weighting on genetics vs
technique. Last year it was on technique. The reason being, behind every 700+
is a grower that worked hard. But i have found that working hard doesn't
gaurantee a big one. Each seed from a pumpkin is not created equally. each
seed has a different code make up. The great grower Sproule could plant his 690
again and only get a 678. He could do everything the same. And if the seed
doesn't have the predetermined aggressive growth it will just be average. I
wonder how much a decent grower enhances the weight of a pumpkin. Now i am not
talking about growers that neglect but growers that give it their all and only
hit a medium weights. This i feel is totally tied to the predetermined genetic
make-up. So I put major emphasis on genetics and because it is such a lottery
with the seeds the only thing i think a grower can do is work hard make the best
conditions possible and with the luck of the draw you get a pumpkin that wants
to grow and grow.........brock
> Troy, I agree with your statement that to much emphasis is put on the
> genetics of your seed.Many of us have planted "super" seeds, but end
> up with mediocre fruits.If the proper soilph, nutrients, etc. are not
> met, I feel there's no chance of getting a huge fruit. If genetics was
> main growth factor, we'd be seeing many 900 or 1000 pound pumpkins
> each year with all the seeds being sent around the world. Look at
> Harley Sproule and his 968 last year. The seed is not genetically the
> best looking, but through proper soil preparation and sound growing
> techniques, he produced an excellent pumpkin in only his third year, a
> feat many of us have tried, but few have accomplished.Pumpkinpiper
>
> >From: "Troy" <troynayler@golden.net>
> >Reply-To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
> >To: <pumpkins@mallorn.com>
> >Subject: Re: (no subject)
> >Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 10:55:59 -0400
> >
> >Harold,
> > I am aware that the traites from the male do not show up until the seeds
> >from the pumpkin it's pollin fertilized are planted. I have also observed
> >that some of the best traites from the Zehr line of pumpkins are thier huge
> >vines and rapid growth. And I believe that these traites are passed from the
> >males pollen. If you have no experience at growing a plant with such
> >demanding characteristics the chances of the pumpkin making it to october
> >are slim. You have to know how to slow down growth when needed, shade, spray
> >etc etc. There are certain lines of pumpkin a beginner should grow and
> >certain lines an experienced grower will do better with. I think that some
> >of the traites people find in the Zehr line, like splitting, may not be a
> >bad thing. You just need to know what to do for a VERY fast growing pumpkin.
> >The Zehrs seemed to have very good success with their line because they are
> >experienced growers.
> >
> >Also, people are putting too much hope into genetics. If you dont know how
> >to grow pumpkins your chances are slim of ever getting the big one even with
> >the silver bullet. Don't get me wrong, genetics are important but only for
> >people that know how to grow these things. "Nature vs Nurture" :)
> >
> >Have a good day.
> >
> >Troy
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: Harold Eddleman Ph.D. <indbio@disknet.com>
> >To: pumpkins@mallorn.com <pumpkins@mallorn.com>
> >Date: Thursday, April 15, 1999 11:33 AM
> >Subject: Re: (no subject)
> >
> >
> >>pumpkins@mallorn.com wrote:
> >>>
> >>> I wouldt try if I had a seed. The pumpkin genetics are great. BUT they
> >are a
> >>> hard line to grow. The grower needs alot of experience or you may
> >encounter
> >>> cracking of the fruit because of the very fast growth rate. If you ar an
> >>> experienced grower then be sure to plant that seed. One suggestion use it
> >as
> >>> a male cross to another plant. . . . . . and just hope for a big one on
> >it.
> >>>
> >>> Troy
> >> If the concern is about splitting that occurred in the fruit which
> >>produced the seed. That trait might well be lost in the childern.
> >> I guess you were thinking you should use use he potential splitter as
> >>male because it might split before the seeds were mature. However, if
> >>any hopes putting big pollem on a little flower to get a big fruit from
> >>the little flower in 1999 that will not work.
> >> In farm animals using a large male on a small female can cause a large
> >>child that causes delivery problems, but the story in plants is
> >>different. In plants you have to wait a year to get the bigger fruit
> >>effect of the cross.
> >>--
> >>Harold Eddleman Ph.D. Microbiologist. i*@disknet.com
> >>Location: Palmyra IN USA; 36 kilometers west of Louisville, Kentucky
> >>http://www.disknet.com/indiana_biolab = Agriculture, science projects
> >>and info for amateurs, gardeners, farmers, teachers, kids
> >>http://wwbbs.otherside.com/PUBLIC/HOMEPAGE/haroldeddleman_303/INDEX.HTM
> >> Home Science Projects: fun for parent and child, Computer programs
> >>http://ibl.webjump.com/ger.htm <== Simple german for beginners.
> >>
> >>
> >>
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