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Location

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Date Posted

Springfield, Missouri

What seeds to grow and what to cross them with?

Here is what i have right now
1500.5 Revier (985 X 1207) 1207 +9
664.5 Liggett (produces big tall fruit and dose well in crosses)

Seeds that I am planing to get
1041 Mckie Top heavy producer
A good 1385 Jutras cross preferably 1209 Kuhn (1385 X 1566)

Problem is i can't decide on what crosses to make with these seeds, if i am missing a seed or two that would cross well with any of these, or if i should cross some this year and use those seeds to cross with the others.

All responses are appreciated

12/8/2008 9:04:36 PM

Minnesota

1500.5 Revier x 1041 Mckie, I seen the 1500.5 Revier at the Stillwater weigh-off, it was a really nice huge looking pumpkin.

12/8/2008 9:13:28 PM

Bristol,RI,USA.

1375 oliver 1317 oliverx 1385 jutrus

12/8/2008 9:14:04 PM

Springfield, Missouri

Concerns:

1500 is an excellent cross that has great potential and am very excited about, however, it was damaged so it might have some structural problems with it. This is why I believe the 664 or 1041 would be a good cross for it because the 664 has excellent shape and the 1041 has those thick dense wall that are going to be essential to growing bigger pumpkins in the future.

If it is possible to get a (1385 X 1566) or (1385 X 1161) and reverse cross they could do well. All three of these seeds have been proven this year and are going heavy all with good shapes.

The 664 Liggett is a great seed and I think many under estimate it. It did well in the 1248 Ford, and has grown a 1524.5 on its own in only 400 square feet. If crossed with other pumpkins I think it could increases efficiency of the plant per square foot as well as add a better shape that is less likely to split.

Finally the 1041 Mckie, in my opinion it will have to be the main parent in future pumpkins if we are ever going to get to or cross 2000 pounds. It’s attributes are thick walls and going way over the charts, this also helps the pumpkins be more structurally sound, and would allow them to grow at higher rates without splitting like 50-60 pounds a day. This cross also grows over that 90 day mark which will also be necessary to produce the bigger pumpkins of the future.

12/8/2008 9:26:11 PM

Springfield, Missouri

What was the 1317 cross and how did both parents do as far as %heavy and what did the 1385 grow?

Thanks

Logan

12/8/2008 9:29:09 PM

Springfield, Missouri

Objectives:

How do you put in the 1041 and not over shadow the 1500.5 or the 1385 crosses so that you still have some good potential with those, and then put in some of that 664 gene so that the fruit will be a better shape and the plant will be able to produce giants in less area?

12/8/2008 9:41:15 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

I don't know the best way to do it Logan(in reply to your last question).
Maybe you could cross the 664 with the 1041 and reverse, and then cross one of those into the 1500.5 X 1385 or whatever you're planning.
You're plans involve some great genetics there.

12/8/2008 11:14:02 PM

Adams County

Logan, put that 664 in the ground........

12/9/2008 5:25:47 PM