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Nashville, TN

Here's the scenario: I'm located near Nashville, TN. From the information I've found it turns out that record pumpkins are one of the FEW crops that don't grow well in this climate.

So I'm pointing my long-term research to this problem. Through strict scientific study,breeding/cross-breeding and good record keeping - I will try to create a heat-tolerant, slow maturing, and maximized weight gain .. Practical for hot climates.

In my other Post I mentioned the three, commercially available seedstocks that I've started this project with. Dill's Atlantic Giants, Prizwinner & Big Max. The first five seedlings of each strain has already been started and is in the coldframe. Looks like we're averaging 7 day germination, and just seven more days until first 'true leaves'.

What I need to know from some experienced GP growers are the following things (if you're familiar with the 3 strains I'm using - all the better!):
1. What P.strain has the slowest fruit maturity time?
2. What P.strain has the thickest vines?
3. What P.strain has the thickest fruit walls?
4. What P.strain has the greatest heat resistance?
5. Which parent supplies which characteristics?

Thankyou!

2/24/2005 2:02:53 PM

Indiana

If you want record pumpkins you had better stick to the pure Giants, and throw out Prizewinner and big max.

1. The slowest fruit maturity time? I dont think there is a set strain that we are growing that doesnt mature, but 801.5 Stelts genes tend to do well in the heat and grow longer than many other seed stocks. 845 Bobier tends to grow well also.

2. Thickest vines-- Well the most rediculous vine that I have ever seen is the 589 Nesbitt which is half 574 Mitchell Squash. 845 Bobier has a big vine too.

3. Thickest fruit walls goes to 898 Knauss, 1260 Weir, 845 Bobier, and a few other lesser known seeds.

4. Greatest heat resistance would be 845 Bobier, 801.5 Stelts, 846 Calai, 600.5 Gregory, 705 Stelts and once again lots of lesser known seeds.

5. I dont believe that mother or father supply many characteristics. The Dill's claim that color is supplied primarilly through the male side, but I have found that that its about the same from both sides. There is some belief that mitochondria which are maternally inherited are thought to be superior in some seeds as others such as 801.5 stelts and 845 Bobier. But once again this is suspect. I for one believe that most of the plant vigor traits are passed along on the mother side. There is no proof for any of this, and many other traits are just completely unknown.

Tom Beachy

2/24/2005 3:02:20 PM