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Kutztown, PA

I've thought in the past about the density of pumpkins as it relates to the OT Chart and % over chart thinking that a density number would be a better metric for selecting % over genetics. I'm sure it could be done with pumpkins but only approximations would be found, primarily since there so damn big. Ah, now tomatoes that's different story. Has anyone ever thought of density as a viable method of genetic selection for tomatoes? All you have to do is weigh one, submerse it in a graduated cylinder, i.e. a known volume of water, and determine how much water it displaces. Do some pretty simple math and you have a Density number. Using that data you could potentially cross dense with dense perhaps deriving a more solid/denser, heavier tomato. Any thoughts on this.

9/9/2024 4:15:12 PM

Gourd Zone, WA

Thats a good idea. I like this better than trying use a three way measurement, which has too big a margin of error. I do not have a graduated cylinder that would accomodate a large tomato. But maybe an ordinary bowl or bucket could be filled to the top, then dunk the tomato, then carefully collect & measure the amount of water that spills over (which is equal to the volume of the tomato) ???

If you lead, I might follow lol.

Sometimes an idea is good, but like the old Nike slogan, someone has to be the first to "Just do it".

[Last edit: 09/10/24 11:50:12 PM]

9/10/2024 11:47:15 PM

Colorado

your after specific gravity. This is done a lot in the gem and minerals world. Look up "Specific gravity water displacement method"

9/14/2024 12:29:40 PM

Norfolk, UK

It’s an interesting idea. I think tho if selecting, it’s worth bearing in mind that environmental changes might impact density.

E.g. growing cool, and more dap may be more dense that exactly the same genetic fruit, grown hot and fast.

It might be suitable if you just compared density with the same batch - but not between batches down at different times due to variations in climatic conditions

9/14/2024 4:21:54 PM