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Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Does anyone know why Bill Bobier chose the 865 Mettler as a pollinator for the 935 Lloyd, not once but twice. It certainly proved to be the right choice but why the 865 instead of a more prominent seed during that time. Any and all replies appreciated, thanks.

12/7/2008 6:02:26 PM

Colorado

the 865 mettler was a promising seed back then.lincoln mettler had nice pumpklns on both parent plants.The 865 ended up being a better pollinator.I never grew it but I heard a lot of 865's wouldnt set fruit.

12/7/2008 7:18:05 PM

Western NY

it was just coincidence that he used it the second time, as the 723 hadn't been known to be a proven seed at the time of pollination of the 845. He grew the 865 a second time because it had grown an amazing pumpkin (987, i think) for him the first time. The 865 was actually a better producer for him those two years than the 935 Lloyd was.

He even remade that same cross 2 other times (714 and 838) after that was shown to be a great cross.

12/7/2008 7:36:55 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Thanks Andy

12/7/2008 9:11:08 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

And cojoe

12/7/2008 9:21:12 PM

Western NY

And as someone who has probably grown the 865 more than anyone (6 times over the last 8 years), I would say that I would consider it a top seed on its own, without even considering its contribution as a pollinator.

12/8/2008 12:58:44 PM