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Vanessa and Teri - the stuff

I'm happy that everyone is so interested in genetic and other topics in
relation to C. maxima.  I think this is a topic that is definitely worthy
of our time.   

Vanessa, I think we need to start this discussion by making the facts clear
- so we don't mislead eachother.   I would guess that you would agree that
we don't really know anything for certain about the genetic background or
genetic inheritance in  giant squash.  There simply hasn't been any in
depth research- at least not that I've been able to find.  Despite this, 
we can make some reasonable suppositions based on common plant gentics.

I agree with you that the bottom line of all possible inheritance patterns
that we've discussed thus far is that the phenotypic response of a "big
fruit" is mulitfactorial.   You are right that we can't limit this to one
gene or one group of additive genes.   Everything from the vigor of root
system to the diameter of the xylem inside the stem affects the fruit.  
This kind of sounds like we've gotten nowhere, but I guess its a good
realization. 

I think that instead of answering the original question only in terms of
additive genetics, you need to add in the factor of heterosis.  The basic
question a few days ago was about whether or not and with what you should
cross your plants with.  

It should be realized that the majority of the giant squash growing now
have very diverse backrounds, they have a great deal of genetic
variability, they are unstable, and do not consistently pass on certain
characteristics.  The result is that crossing a big fruit with a big fruit
may produce individuals that are big and also that are small.   

In the long run, competitive growers will try to find someone who has a
true breeding hybrid seed that reliably produces big fruit.
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