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Ithaca, NY

People often talk about crossing old X new or orange X white. I am wondering if it is time to consider making a wider cross. For example, maybe cross modern AGs with some giant South American calabaza. Modern AGs came from a very narrow germplasm pool and it is unlikely that we have all of the best alleles in our current stocks. Although it would be a long and hard process, it might be worth reinvigorating the modern AG with some new genetic diversity. One place to find this diversity is in the Germplasm Resources Information Network database https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/view2.aspx?dv=web_taxonomyspecies_view_accessionlist&params=:taxonomyid=12597. Gardeners can request seed from GRIN. Just food for thought.

9/14/2018 8:03:20 PM

Grittyville, WA

We are amateurs check it out:
https://phylos.bio/galaxy/variety/3e038f3938f8-TSCA/pacific-nw-medical-supply/blueberry

Hopefully it loads for you might need a pc. Anyhow I’m sure the genetic mapping for AG’s could be done too. Save your old seeds. Later get them tested and placed on the map. It could be affordable and could work... in theory. Maybe some grad student would like to earn their PhD mapping the genes of C. maxima and AG’s...????

9/28/2018 2:32:06 AM

Ithaca, NY

Hi Glenomkins,
I currently work in a squash breeding lab as a PhD student and this exactly what we are working on as part of CucCap project https://cuccap.org/genomic-tools/. I am currently trying to generate interest in doing some work with AGs specifically.

9/28/2018 11:46:22 AM

Grittyville, WA

What might be learned is all about the technique used...? Sorting and visualizing a large family tree or showing relationships in a group of individuals with varying genetics... The process could be applied to learn about other life beyond just AG's. So if the technology you use can be applied elsewhere you'll have a real career in the long term and hopefully some grant money in the short term.

It's really just about processing the data...? Quite a challenge but it seems possible.

9/28/2018 12:29:00 PM