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Ohio

What seed do you think grew best in Europe this year? Was it the 998 Pukos?
Also, what seed did you find grew really well for growers in Europe that came from a pumpkin that was grown in Europe? I see where seeds from Olson pumpkins does well there.

Brooks

11/9/2007 6:02:41 AM

Germany

I have not the overview to decide what seed grew best. IMHO the 998Pukos was outstanding but also heavily planted. Other seeds grew also huge pumkins perhaps out of only 0ne or two plants.
A few German speaking growers made a kind of contest or virtual weigh off between 523 Olsen and 523 Helbock : the "523 vs. 523 challenge". Most of the growers were rookies ( for example the swiss champion 2007 with the heaviest 523 offspring ) , for that the results of the 523 Olsen are very very good ! Thanks Owen and Heino for the idea and the efforts to manage this. The AG virus epidemia in Germany has started !
For further information on the results contact Owen olsen

11/9/2007 7:00:52 AM

Netherlands

There were 9 pumpkins over 1000 lbs this year. 3 were grown off of a 998 and 2 off of a 1502. 1 was a 1068 and 1 was a selfed 1068. The last two were mine (I like unproven seeds), a 1093 Hunt and a 1055 Pitura*.

1297 Ghaye (998)
1256 Wursten (1093)
1234 Wursten* (1055*)
1219 Boudyo (998)
1188 Paton (1068)
1175 Lilja (998)
1174 Ghaye (1502)
1090 Gustavsson (1502)
1037 Ornskov (1019 Mechelsen)

The 523 Olsen was the most planted.

Let me take the opportunity to tell about a European project for 2008. Jos Ghaye and myself discussed having a number of growers grow the 1297 and the 1256 and cross them. These were the two heaviest pumpkins this year with very interesting genetics.

1297 = 998 Pukos x self (1420 x 1446)
1256 = 1093 Hunt (1068 x 842) x 1446

This idea has been discussed with some leading genetic experts including Al Eaton. We hope to create a cross that will do very well both in Europe and outside.

Growers interested in the project can contact me for seeds. Growers must promise to grow both plants and cross them. One of the plants can be used as a pollinator and then pulled if necessary.

Because seeds on the 1256 are limited, we remain the right to screen growers if necessary.

11/9/2007 8:52:39 AM

Netherlands

For those more into genetics, going back a few generations on both the 1297 and 1256 will show that a cross between these two seeds will be made up exclusively of 846, 845, 723 and 898 genes in an even balance, which have been transfered into the 1297 and 1256 through three of the most famous current seeds, the 1068, 998 and 842.

11/9/2007 8:55:44 AM

Netherlands

The instigator of the project was Rick Sanders of Germany.

11/9/2007 8:57:37 AM

Germany

Excellent idea!! When grower with less experience are allowed for it I will thankfully join that project. there are not many chances to get such genetics.

11/9/2007 11:47:19 AM

Belgium

great initiative...count me in!!

11/9/2007 4:14:57 PM

Belgium

I think we can help with this project. I have already seeds from the 1256. Jos promised some seeds from his 1297. In Kasterlee we have enough growers for to do this.
What do you think about to cross them with the 1289Bosworth(805Pukosxself) or the 1402Bosworth(1068Wallacexself)?

Our first records came from the 1007KBrown. After this one we had the 1107,5Werner (805Pukosx723Handy). They all grew very well without problems.

11/10/2007 1:02:51 PM

Netherlands

Luc,

The project is to cross the 1256 with the 1297 or cross the 1297 with the 1256 (or both). Crossing the 1297 or 1256 into the 1402 would also be a very good idea. So you could make these four crosses:

1297 x 1256
1256 x 1297
1402 x 1297 or 1402 x 1256

Thanks for getting involved. We hope to grow a few very large pumpkins with the two crosses and then get many growers involved to grow seeds from those pumpkins.

11/10/2007 1:54:37 PM

Netherlands

Benny, I have you on my list for a 1256. Send me an email. (bjwursten@canada.com)

11/10/2007 1:58:18 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

That's great to hear Brad. Weeks ago I decided to cross the 1297 with the 1402 primarily because of the genetics of both seeds. I will most likely do the reverse cross as well.
Andy.

11/10/2007 2:00:57 PM

Ohio

Luc, I sent you a email, Ill have a 1402 for ya and a 1289.

Brooks

11/14/2007 6:31:46 PM

San Feliu De Codines Barcelona España

excelente la idea pueden contar con nosotros para la experiencia prometo hacer todo el seguimiento.
sr. dutch si es asi deseo saber con que la cruzamos...
un saludo juanjo.

11/21/2007 3:32:56 AM

Buren Ameland,West Frisian Islands, Netherlands

Hello Brad,

just back from Nepal it is nice to hear about this initiative!

With some seeds of 1297 promissed and having 1256 I'll join in the project! :-)

12/3/2007 3:09:42 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

The 1402 will be the female pollinated by Jos'1297 mainly because I would like a big orange pumpkin.

12/13/2007 9:09:35 PM

Netherlands

Nice to see you made it back Theo.

I must warn you, your cousin Willem also has a 1256 and 1297!. Your island might be too small for this competition...

12/14/2007 2:11:15 AM

Buren Ameland,West Frisian Islands, Netherlands

Ohhh, my dear. :D:D

12/22/2007 1:58:13 PM

Ceyhan Turkey

Very Good idea. I'm an agriculture engineer from Turkey. Plant genetic is one of my favorite interest. The city where i live is very ok for pumpkin growing. Because It's got 140-150 days vegetative growing season for pumpkin.you can even find variety unknown pumpkins over 100 kg. By the way Dutch Brad I'm interested in growing pumpkin to make cross-pollination ( 1090 Gustavvson x 1188 Paton ) if you can provide me seeds. Best Wishes

9/20/2008 10:16:44 AM