Re: Genetics 101

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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.