Re: seeds from fruit with mosaic virus

In a message dated 11/27/99 8:41:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
paulie@home.msen.com writes:

> The only acceptable reason for any risk is if the potential return on that
>  investment (risk) is sufficient to warrant the risk. Since there is an
>  abundance of quality seed available to a GiantPumpkin grower, accepting and
>  using a seed with any risk of passing on mosaic virus makes no sense,
>  whatsoever. In this case, the risk far outweighs any benefit that may be
>  gained. There are safer seeds that will produce a greater return.
>  

I don't agree. I specifically picked these strains to make extremely good 
crosses. Crosses that no one else has made this year or any other year. I 
weighed the risked months ago using information from several top experts in 
the country on this, and there seemed to be such a small (if any) possibility 
of transmission to the next generation from a seed, that it would be 
ridiculous to scrap it all. It is like tearing down a house because you find 
a termite. The seeds should be good with no problems. And again, I plan on 
sending some to the southern hemisphere and tropical areas to confirm this 
over the winter, so by next season there should be no question about the 
seeds.

>  Maybe the odds are extremely against mosaic being passed through the seed.
>  The point is, if there is any (any!) chance it will pass it, it should be
>  destroyed. To do otherwise, the potential -- however minor -- for disaster
>  will be present in that seed and in your garden. 


This is total paranoia. The benefits far outweigh the infinitesimal "risks". 
The far greater risk is if the genetics are messed up in the seeds. 

>  
>  What seed is so vital to the gene pool that it cannot be terminated? If we
>  were growing GiantEndangeredPumpkins I might go along with the risk. 
>  
>  But, we're not.
>

The crosses I made could grow the first 2000 pounder. I researched this 
greatly and I truly think I have some of the best crosses ever made for 
several reasons that would take an hour to explain. But I'll just let you 
know a few of the parents.... 780 Mombert x 780 Eaton, 780 Mombert x (946.5 
Geerts x self). Check the genetics, and the info on these strains. I think 
you will see what I mean. The 946.5 Geerts was selfed with it's "largeness" 
trait prominant, when crossed with the 780 Mombert, which is the 567.5 
Mombert crossed with the 946.5 Geerts, it will result in a partial F1 hybrid 
as well as a partial backcross, which will result in....well, let's just say 
a seed with the most promise of any seed ever produced. (In my opinion 
anyway)!

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