From

Location

Message

Date Posted

central Nc

I'm very curious about seed saving from tall corn since it is so much more sensitive to inbreeding depression than cucurbits. Does anyone successfully save seed on a small scale here?

3/16/2018 3:46:47 PM

Berne, Indiana

Define small scale? I did one row 40 feet long close every two feet or closer! Had excellent pollination. Planted them in front of the sweet corn patch to help with wind. Highest was 14 1/2 feet tall. Jala maize

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=232887

3/16/2018 10:01:50 PM

Bethlehem CT

I think you can get away with it for a season or two. They say you should have at least 200 plants for good genetic diversity. I don't think many growers do that many plants, though.

3/17/2018 7:10:32 AM

central Nc

Joel, is that your saved seed (at least 2nd year) that produced 14.5?

Yeah, that's what I thought big moon. I've done the experiment with my bloody butcher and hopi blue several times and the second year they are stunted to half size. Had ~25 stalks of BB that were 12, 13 feet tall. Excellent pollination but next year they had puny ears and 4, 5 feet tall.

I wonder who is out there pushing these genetics further if we aren't?

3/19/2018 9:30:29 AM

Berne, Indiana

Wasn’t my saved seed was from mega kin. seeds from my 14.5 are third generation strain Java Maize

3/19/2018 7:57:08 PM

Johnston, Iowa

I've seen the effects of inbreeding depression in tall corn After 2 to 3 years. I only have room for a couple dozen plants each year, so bringing in new seed at least every two years has been my practice

1/15/2019 8:31:58 PM