From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Deer Park, WI

Hello folks-

As many of you moldy oldies know, back in 2000 I wrote a couple articles on the topic of hybrid vigor, and even had one of the articles published in the most recent version of HTGWCGP III. Browsing through the posts on this message board leads me to believe that there may be an over-exaggeration of the influence of this phenomena on our favorite species. I'd like to offer my updated opinion on the subject.

When I wrote the articles, I was eager to find objective evidence that supported the theory. And while the statistical analysis I performed suggested its possibility, it by no means confirmed its existence. I've considered removing the articles because of the "hype" they seem to have created over the topic. I caution newer growers not to get caught up in the excitment of the subject, as energy is better spent focusing on the more productive environmental aspects of our hobby. While the thought of AG's exhibiting HV is certainly exciting, we do not have the tools necessary to draw any definitive conclusions.

Please interpret the articles as a far-from-proven possibility, rather than something to bank next year's seed selection on. In the time since the articles were wrote, literally hundreds of massive fruit have been produced that don't follow the the HV theory.

I'd be happy to field any questions this discussion may pose. Keep it real homies.

11/18/2005 8:37:14 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Well stated Joe. It is an interesting topic/theory.

11/19/2005 1:53:13 PM

Sioux Falls, SD garyboer@dakotalink.com

Thanks
I can never tell when people here are telling us what they know to be true, suspect to be true, or best guess. It helps when great minds not only share their thoughts, but their doubts.
Your ideas will likely be at least a part of the puzzle.

11/19/2005 6:19:58 PM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Sounds reasonable to me. I hope we can get some good
discussions going this winter!

11/21/2005 9:55:51 AM