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Cochecton, NY

Ok, Here is my question. How do some of you choose which plant will acually grow your fruit, and which one will be used for the pollinator? Do you want to take the better genetics and pollinate a lesser seed with it, or the other way around? Or am I just way off and there is no exact science to it? Any info would be helpful?

Nick

10/19/2008 8:12:36 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

My philosophy is that whatever the parents contributed to the mother of the seed I'm about to create (the plant that will grow the pumpkin) is the one I select for good looks or hardiness to my general growing conditions (likes to be hot or prefers cool weather, etc) or whatever I want in this year's fruit, and the parents of the father are going to add what I want to try to improve on the mother plant for next year. The mother plant will produce my this season's pumpkin, the cross I do will produce next season's pumpkin in this season's pumpkin's seeds. I hope that makes sense. And some of the 'great pollinators' have not produced that great of a pumpkin on their own vine but used to pollinate another, produces greatness in the generation after that. My .0000002 cents worth....

10/19/2008 12:24:11 PM

Cochecton, NY

ok sort of makes sense. so basically you are always looking a year ahead?

10/20/2008 6:50:03 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Yes, for what I want to do with the seed, it's next year that will show what I did this year. When Joe Jutras did his 1689 it was what he crossed in 2006 that produced that monster in 2007 (along with good soil work, care of the vine, good weather, a bit of luck...). What he crossed into the 1689 was seen this year when that seed was planted....

10/20/2008 9:16:42 AM