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Linden,PA

Which pumpkins are known to have trait domination when used as pollinators? Thinking of color (orange) trait or heavy trait. Thanks, Mark.

12/14/2009 6:32:14 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I'm not sure your question can be answered with any definity, maybe generally. You can say for example that crosses with the 500 Northrup as a pollinator generally go heavy and/or orange. The 1068 Wallace has proven to be one of the best pollinators ever in terms of producing heavy pumpkins. Offspring from X x 1068 Wallace crosses have produced at least 105 fruit over 1000 lbs. by 27 different seeds. Pretty impressive, but almost half were grown by just three seeds and 71% were grown by seven seeds. Is it the result of the pollinator or the skill of the growers, I'd say both. I use the 1068 as an example because recently many growers like Brooks, Duane Perry and Joe Jutras have produced 1068 dominant seeds. In the hands of a skilled grower there's a good chance these seeds will do very well, 1306 Jutras and 1450 Wallace for instance.
I don't think I really answered your question, but choosing a pollinator with a proven track record of it's own is a good start.

12/14/2009 9:52:33 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

mark, i've always felt that the male pollinator is more influential on orange traits of the second generation than the female. that's why i always have a 603.5 pollinator for my patch.

12/14/2009 10:29:23 AM

Berlin,mi.(zuhlke2@hotmail.com)

985 werner is doing pretty good as a pollinator.

12/14/2009 10:48:55 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Yes it is Steve, I know many people who used it this year as well for a pollinator.

12/14/2009 11:16:41 AM

Coventry R.I.

Well in my case this year I planted the 1450 x 1016 dealets,,Thinking big and orange,,, I did get a new P.B. But the color wasnt that orange,, look in my diary.

12/15/2009 8:37:35 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Frank, I wouldn't really expect a 1450 to go that orange, the seeds from your cross may produce some lookers.

12/15/2009 9:44:22 AM

Coventry R.I.

Andy,, I tell you one thing,, these seed,s are the biggest I,ve ever seen,,, they are huge!!!!maybe andy Orange and Big,,,,

12/15/2009 12:42:54 PM