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Colorado

I realize there are no absolutes, but is one of the following more likely to give you green progeny in the next generation?

pumpkin x squash
or
squash x pumpkin ?

taking it a step further... if you cross one of following with a squash (as male or female), is one of the following more likely go grow future squash?

a white pumpkin
an orange pumpkin

2/21/2011 10:17:45 PM

Corryton, TN

I've tried crosses of both and I have not had a squash produced yet. I don't think it will happen on the first cross using modern genetics.

Going on the assumption that the green gene is recessive, if you use a squash (as male or female) on a crossed seed 50% of the offspring should produce green.

My theory is that there is a different gene(s) that control white and it is independent of orange and green. If its there from one parent it would dillute the color. If its there from both a white pumpkin or a white squash is possible. Both would be classified as pumpkins at weigh-offs.
Remember: this is only my theory.

2/22/2011 7:42:18 AM

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Hey Pete,

P x S or S x P makes no meaningful difference in the expected outcome (This applies to the green question or any other pumpkin genetics question). The mechanics of the situation dictate that 50% of the nuclear genes come from the mother and 50% from the father. The resulting offspring will be the same for either direction of cross.

Assuming green is recessive, which it appears to be, a greenie will never show up in the F1 if the pumpkin has no hidden green genes.

In the F2 (if you selfed or sibbed the F1) we might expect:
1 of 4 to be green (if it's only controlled by 1 gene) or
1 of 16 to be as green as the original squash (if 2 genes are involved).
etc.

If you crossed the F1 with a greenie, I second brotherdave on the assumption of 1 of 2 being green in the next generation (again if only 1 gene is involved).

I'm not sure about the white/orange issue. Good question though.

2/24/2011 1:43:52 AM

Colorado

thanks guys.

2/26/2011 7:37:20 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

so if i grow a 1003 wexler which 895 hester x 275 vanhook and a

1004.5 crosby which is 633 blaylock x 1097 beachy

and cross the 848 mackenzie back to them there going to be a pumpkin most of the time RIGHT OR NO thanks vic

2/27/2011 9:31:58 AM

Corryton, TN

About 50% squash and 50% pumpkins from each can be expected. This is assuming that there is not a different gene that controls spotting, blotching, ticking, white etc. that might get a greenie classified as a pumpkin. AS dark as those two were I think your safe.
Don't be affraid to try it.

2/27/2011 11:04:01 AM

Mt Vernon Ky

thanks Dave

2/27/2011 11:23:07 AM

Lexington, Ky

Vic, I like you plan! Taking the 848 back sounds mighty.

2/28/2011 9:17:06 AM