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Re: breeding rules

> Michael wrote: 
> > If you continually choose, or SELECT, the seed from the largest pumpkin
in
> > the patch, year after year, you will theoretically grow a larger
pumpkin
> > every year.  In this manner we will eventually grow a fruit that
weights a
> > ton.

> Danie Viljoen of Pretoria asked:
> Is this necessarily true? Surely there must be a genetic limit to 
> how big a pumpkin can grow?
 
Dear Danie:
	10 years ago it was just a dream that some one might grow a pumpkin over
1,000 lbs.  Theoretically, yes, it is possible that someday a pumpkin will
reach a ton.  That is a US ton.  A British ton is heavier, I think.  
	There are many recorded cases of a single C. maxima squash vine producing
over 2,000 lbs of fruit - multiple fruits grown on a single vine. 
Therefore, it does not seem unreasonable to me that some day, some one,
some where will grow a single 2,000 lb fruit. 
	Remember, this is a genus of plant with a root system capable of covering
2,500 square feet.  I grew a vine over 56 feet long this summer and it
would still be growing now if I didn't cut it down 3 weeks ago.  Atlantic
Giant, Show King and Zebra sqaush all have the inherent potential to
produce massive fruits.  And, maybe some day these plants will feed huge
numbers of people, easing the plight of famine and starvation, instead of
simply being a backyard trophy.  At which point the pumpkin heads of
pumpkins@athenet.net will rule the world.

Michael
mcohill@neo.lrun.com

----------
> From: Danie Viljoen <danievil@relay01.iafrica.com>
> To: pumpkins@athenet.net
> Subject: Re: breeding rules
> Date: Wednesday, October 29, 1997 3:32 PM
>
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