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Adams County

looking for differant views on crossing plants. take the 1097.5 beachy, you have a choice of one of these seed parents to cross it with.
998.6 pukos x 1068 wallace
935 lyod x 898 knauss
846 calai x 1370 rose
845 bobier x 898 knauss
723 bobier x 846 calai
i"m trying to figure out the best way to cross and why. any input, would be helpfull, thanks Bill

12/26/2007 10:26:06 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Bill,
Nice genetics in those crosses. We can only guess on which will make the best cross. It's a difficult decision indeed, as they all seem to be good choices. If you want some orange color in the progeny, I'd pick the 846 X 1370.
Otherwise I'd maybe pick the seed that's the most proven of those crosses. Or those that had nice sized, undamaged parents on both sides of the cross. Good luck!

12/26/2007 10:34:38 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I would use the 998.6 x 1068 cross. Reason 1 I think alot of people will be trying the that cross next year and no doubt some really big ones will be grown from that cross. Reason 2 that cross would add both the 846 Calai and 898 Knauss to your seeds pedigree.

12/26/2007 11:29:16 PM

Adams County

thanks guys, I had the Pukos Wallace cross as first choice but kinda new at the game, so wanted a little advice. So once agian thanks, Bill

12/27/2007 6:14:59 PM

Santa Rosa, CA

Bill,

For someone who is "new at the game", you did your homework on pumpkin genetics. Something to add: Experienced growers have told me to get pollen from a HEALTHY and strong plant.

Chuck

12/27/2007 6:39:45 PM

Adams County

So no matter what you want to cross with, you should pick the best plant over what you would like to use. Does make sinse thanks chuck, Bill

12/27/2007 9:36:37 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Bill,
If the plant of the pollinator you want is growing normally, and reasonably well, I'd pollinate with that. If it's a doublevine, or flatvine, you may want to reconsider. I stress "may", as I don't think there is any conclusive evidence that double/flatvine plants pass this trait onto the progeny. I think it's still something growers wonder about though.
Also, I've heard that many times, the most agressive growing plant doesn't grow the largest pumpkin. So at pollination time, it's difficult to tell which plant has the ability to grow a large pumpkin.

12/27/2007 11:18:45 PM

Adams County

thanks. Bill

12/28/2007 6:31:50 PM