Re: 1006/1006
Marv:
Please remember that I have just gotten to this message 12 days later, due to a
computer breakdown. It may have already been answered far more adequately; but
here's my 2 cents.
Let's assume that not only did the plants have the best possible care, but that
nothing was wrong, due to weather, environment, soil quality, nutrition, etc. In
other words, the pumpkins matured to the best of their genetic capability. We
are of course, assuming that size is also dominant & may or may not be the
result of hybrid vigor. I am, of course, also assuming that there are no size
inhibiting genes in the genetic factoring.
The best seed (to result in the biggest pumpkin) should come from a big
pumpkin crossed with a big pumpkin. There is, of course, a chance that recessive
charactistics might recombine (when the smaller pumpkin is used) to produce
homozygous characteristics that result in a larger pumpkin (i.e. faster growth
rate over a longer period might do the trick). Another charactistic that might
help achieve the larger size is better utilization of nuitrients.
An example of this is Yeast culture in Horses. Feeding this in the feed
results in 39% more feed utilization. A genetic duplication of this feat would
probably result in far larger pumpkins ( approximately 39%, if yeast is any
example). Just an idea, but I have talked to people who use yeast in their lawns
& gardens & they swear that it does improve growth rates & that the plants are
far healthier with less effort. What might this work with pumpkins?
I would not want to risk the seed from a self-polinated small pumpkin, since
you arre doubling whatever genetic makeup resulted in the smaller pumpkins.
There is always the chance of a sport or mutation, but otherwise, even if the
smaller pumpkin is the result of hybrid vigor, it is exactly the opposite
result from what you are trying to achieve. By doubling up on what went into the
genetic makeup of the smaller pumpkin, you are unlikely to achieve your aim.
However, if the smaller pumpkin should be bright orange & well shaped, I might
know of a certain witch who would like some seed. <VBG>
The problem with Hybrids is that the next generation (even self-polinated or
back-crossed) won't set the desired traits that fast, due to the diverse genetic
makeup. Cross-polinating with another pumpkin will still result in what I call
"genetic fracturing". In this case you are adding even more genetic diversity to
the gene pool. It turns the next generation into the equivalent of a genetic
slot machine. Usually the best results using hybrids are 2-3 generations
(minimum) down the line. It's worth it, but it takes time, effort & patience.
Your best bet, in the meantime, is to select for the larger size (phenotype) &
breed for that characteristic.
Good Luck.
The Pumpkin Witch (TerryLynn)
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