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Connecticut

    I realize that many growers already have their final seeds selected, but I thought I would make this unheard of offer to see if anyone is interested. While I am not giving out seeds, I have been propagating cuttings from my 1385 Jutras plant that I grew last year. (See my 2010 diary postings.)

For me, the 1385 Jutras plant grew a very nicely shaped 1,183 pound pumpkin that was over 11% heavy with good orange color. (See my 2009 and the beginning of my 2010 diary for more details and pictures.)

    Since all the plant material came from the same plant, I have a bunch of clones that are genetically identical. So, I have an idea for a clone experiment that I am offering to as many growers that I can supply cuttings to.

    The idea of this study is to see how the same genetics perform in different areas by having all participants fill out some simple in-season data. This is a way to institute a control in our field growing situations which is rarely done.

    What I am asking any and ALL interested growers to do is send an e-mail to me with “1385 Experiment” in the title to get more specific details.

    E-mails must be received by 1pm EST April 18th, 2010

-Matt

4/13/2010 8:22:21 PM

Pembroke, New Hampshire

Great idea! Some real science.
If I only had the room....

4/13/2010 9:01:30 PM

DeWitt, Iowa

Dang wish i saw this earlier in the year. No spots left.

4/13/2010 9:10:17 PM

Maine

Could you post your e-mail. I am very interested in growing one.

4/13/2010 9:24:15 PM

Out-there

I am also interested, plz post contact info.

4/13/2010 9:42:38 PM

Connecticut

Hi everyone-

My e-mail can be found if you open my diary "Matt D." and click on the little envelope near my name;-)

I relize many people have already selected their 2010 line-up but I did not want to hinder any auctions so I have waited until now to post this offer. It has also given me some time to improve my propagation system.

I agree 'real science' is what is needed to help improve all our pumpkins, so I hope this study can provide some useful information to all. I am not asking anyone to change what they do, but rather see how plants of the same genetic react to different growing conditions.

4/13/2010 9:48:25 PM

salamanca,NY

matt...id be interested in your project....having trouble locating your diary...can you please shoot me an e-mail at [email protected] with more info...thanks

4/14/2010 12:15:16 PM

[email protected]

I have 2 1385 seeds here but will only grow one this year. Your clones would give us a sib. Hmmm.

4/14/2010 12:27:21 PM

Connecticut

Here is a link to my diary for anyone having problems locating it. It provides some of the behind the scenes look at the process I had to go through. It also gives and idea of what the final product looks like.


http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2010&grower=25411&action=L

-Matt

4/14/2010 1:02:52 PM

Pataskala,OH

How many Clones? 5? 100's? 1000's?

4/14/2010 5:33:07 PM

Pataskala,OH

I cannot open the envelope thing. My computer is being weird. Can someone email me your email adress?

4/14/2010 5:42:37 PM

Connecticut

e-mail sent Nic...

4/14/2010 6:10:49 PM

Ri

Matt brought a sample of his work to our last club meeting in March. The test tubes, cultures, the tiny clone, etc.... [cannot spell most of the rest of the science] is absolutely amazing!!! Matt, what an assset to the club and to all growers. Keep up the great work! Peter SNGPG

4/14/2010 7:03:06 PM

Ohio

pgri, Matt isn't bad at reading soil samples ether.

Matt, had a question for ya, the last couple years I have been trying to start some cuttings and get them to root from apple trees, peach trees, chinese pear trees and a Quince trees with ZERO success at all. Right now I have the new growth cuttings to try again (the tips of these trees where new leaf growth is just now starting) I feel if I dont get some help on how to do this Im just going to fail again this year.
I do use rooting hormone and have tried starting the cuttings in straight water and I have also tried putting the cuttings in seed starting soil.
One thing I do know is(well I think I know,,lol) is that Im starting the cuttings the way Im suppose to (at leave nodes and cut at a angle) for root growth to start, but I always seem to fail trying to get one started, they seem to rot on me before any roots start. Im thinking maybe temperature and lighting might be my biggest problem, maybe?

I was wondering if you could give me a few good pointers in the proper way to do cuttings and how to get roots to start for tree's?,, But remember , I dont have a Dr Frankenstein lab like you do, so my supplies are limited to root hormone and grow lights,LOL.,,, a email, or some help on the boards here would be great if you have time Matt.

thanks for any help you can give this beer belly fat guy.

4/15/2010 6:26:52 AM

Connecticut

Brooks- I sent you an e-mail regarding your question, I hope it helps. Basically I have heard of more grafting with trees and not rooting.

Look up ‘rootstock’ and ‘scion’ and you will see what I mean.

*Other Interested Growers- keep sending in requests as I said above I am looking for ALL interested growers. This includes experienced and new growers. I include more of the details in an e-mail after you let me know of your interest.

Thanks,

-Matt

4/15/2010 10:06:44 PM

Deer Park WA

Hi Matt, we are interested in growing one of your clones we grew one of Mad Man Mark Sawtellies to a regional state fair champ in 2002 (see link from our diary).

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=3089

We have a prime and well prepped site ready.

Email [email protected]

4/15/2010 11:34:17 PM

Pembroke, New Hampshire

If you plan to do this again next year, I'm in, but let us know in the fall/winter so that we can plan accordingly. Something like this is exciting and interesting. Please post results next fall.

4/16/2010 3:21:59 PM