Genetics 101

Rocky time:  December 15-1994 
Joe time  :    December 15-2000
 
First off- if you are interested in learning more about basic genetics, I strongly suggest you sign up for the FREE membership at the AGGC website.  There you will find an article written by Mike Nepreney titled "AG Genetics Primer".  This will most certainly get you started.  Second-Start rambling through the hierarchies of the largest pumpkins and look for trends.  Which seeds are consistently producing "big ones"?
 
When I say that environmental factors are only 50% percent of the equation, it does not mean that we will soon see a 2280lb monster.  Consider this analogy-  When raising a child, 2 major factors contribute to what that child will become in the future.  The first factor is the genes you donate to that child.  Hair and eye color, height, build, etc.  The second factor is how that child is raised- well nourished, loving family, provided shelter, etc.   In this instance, we have the power to control the 2nd factor, the environmental aspects.  But as of right now, we cannot control the genetics of our children.
 
Fortunately, we can control the genetics of our pumpkins through selective breeding practices and basic understanding of genetics.  This is why I am asking you all to educate yourselves on this topic. 
 
I believe we need to preserve some of the excellent seed lines that many of us hold on to.  Determine which seeds produce well and start selfing or sibbing those babies!!!!  Imagine if we all had a 935 Lloyd in our hands??? If your goal is superior genetics in your seed, please do not simply cross seeds with the largest weights.  Another analogy-- What happens when you cross a purebred German Shepard with a  Purebred Saint Bernard?  You have taken away from the purity of these genetics.  Then you keep crossing these offspring until you have this small dog with no unique qualites at all.  We HAVE to preserve our good genes. I urge you not to take offense to my post, as I am only trying to bring some very important issues to the table here. 
 
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