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Connecticut

While I have some names on my list of seriously interested growers I am now compiling a further refined list of people that would consider planting one this year. Now, I do not require much other than some basic feedback on the plant behavior (good and bad) and I do have to charge something for the plant material to mainly cover the overnight shipping that is required.

Previous posting: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=378505

*Please contact me (publically or privately) if you are interested in participating in this year’s clone project and what plant material you are interested in.

Plant material that I have…
1161 Rodonis (grew the 1725 Sweet ‘10)- HUGE pumpkin!

1421.5 Stelts (grew the 1663 Zoellner ’10)- great color!

1385 Jutras (grew the 1064.5 DeBacco ’10)- over 15% heavy with good shape!

I am trying to get an idea of the level of interest so I can realistically determine who has good odds of getting a clone. I am doing the best I can to propagate as much material as possible in hopes that I can meet the demand.

Last year was my trial year at this and I can say that out of all the cuttings I mailed out across the entire USA, I had 100% survival rate. Also, look on the bright side there is no fear of “will it germinate” and this material has at least 1,000lb+ genetics.

I also want to thank the support I have gotten from other growers as this project has had its challenges but I am working though them, as I think this could be a way to speed up the genetic selection process. Overall the plants are looking better and should be on track to be ready for shipping in the late April / early May time-table.

Note: If there is strong interest from areas outside the USA, let me know and I will look into international shipping. I can ship without soil but my concern would be the shipping time.

Lastly, any feedback is greatly appreciated as I am always looking for ways

3/22/2011 8:10:22 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Matt, would certainly like to try this, some time in the future...but, w/ zero results in the last 3 years...I think I will say...not send me one!!! Peace, Wayne

3/23/2011 12:11:15 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

What is the track record of past clones? Any success stories? Do growers hold crosses made by clones in equal regard? The mertztown division of the MAGPG has some room to play with. Thanks!

3/23/2011 1:40:19 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Matt, I am a newbie, but I am interested, and very interested in following your work on cloning, keep us posted! BSD, David

3/23/2011 6:07:48 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Oh, yea, if I have the opporitunity to see one in my patch, my prefference would be the 1161Rodonis, although I'm sure any of the three would be a plus in my patch!
[email protected] BSD,David

3/23/2011 6:15:59 PM

Connecticut

Orangeneck-

In short the sample size of clones grown is very small. However, the little data I have heard from them indicates there is great potential. Last year all the pumpkins grown off the clones consistently went around 9-15% heavy with the original plant producing an 11.6% heavy pumpkin.

Do growers hold crosses made by clones as equal? This again relates back to the fact that this has not been done a lot (yet). Genetically they are identical to the original, but I can not speak to the growers views.

E-mails continue to come in so I encourage anyone that thinks they may want to try one this year to let me know soon.

-Matt

3/23/2011 8:13:59 PM

Connecticut

BIG SHOW DOG-

I want to get a mix of growers from different areas so being a new grower does not mean you off the list by any means. I have you on my tentative list and I will give you (and everyone else that contacts me) an update in the near future.

Thanks for everyone interest, I hope to increase the sample size of clones grown this year!

-Matt

3/23/2011 8:18:42 PM

Winston Salem NC

Matt I would be interested in trying the 1161 and 1385

Rick

3/23/2011 8:53:02 PM

[email protected]

Matt, I'm interested in a 1161 clone.

3/24/2011 12:33:14 PM

Connecticut

Hi Rick and Pharmer-

If both of you could just send me a quick e-mail that would be great. I have you both on the list and I appreciate your interest.

-Matt

3/24/2011 9:25:08 PM