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Ca

When I read about AG genetics, I notice that a lot of the discussion is about the effects of selfing, sibs, back-crossing, etc. All of which implies that a grower is using a limited genetic stock and working with it over a period of years. There is presumably a payoff at the end of this, that a grower has a "line" (if that is the right word) that has consistent genetics. For example, a line might consistently produce light orange, cinderella-style pumpkins with thick walls, not heat resistant.
But when I read growers' diaries, most of them seem to be growing seed from other growers, and not working on their own. Most of the plants featured are crosses, with very few selfs, few sibs, and almost no opens. The impression I get is that a lot of growers are chasing the next hot cross, hoping that the weather, and luck, and grower's expertise, will result in a 1500.
What are the pros and cons of attempting to develop a distinctive line, as opposed to constantly bringing in new genetics? How close does an outside seed need to be before it is the functional equivelant of a sib?, etc. Do growers have a tendency to plant seeds crossed by other because seed swaps/auctions/sales are such a fun part of the sport?
Comments? I'm a first year grower, so don't have opinions so much as questions. Just interested in what people say.
Richard Trout
Albany, CA

6/29/2005 11:55:47 PM

Eugene,OR

With as much time as those of us who are serious about this hobby put into growing these things, we want to start out with the best proven genetics available. From there we like to grow some crosses which we believe hold a lot of promise. When you start out with a gene pool of the very best proven genetics, only then does it make sense to "grow your own." The genetics of your seed stock is one of the few variables which we can more or less "completely" control...so we'd better take advantage of that opportunity. That is, unless you like to get your doors blown off at the weighoffs!

6/30/2005 12:55:54 AM

Ohio

I have noticed that to rtrout,alot of growers has some excellent crosses and they dont seem to grow their own seed,but rather grow other peoples seed instead.I grew both my own seeds this year that wasnt really proven crosses is why I chose to grow some of the greatest seeds in the world so i can grow mostly all my own seeds next year. That still wont stop me from growing a Wallace,Eaton,Beachy,Rose,Hester,Larue,Pukos,Wentzell and the list goes on.Its just the matter of how much you like the grower and how much you like his or hers cross better then your own and how many 1000 lbs it has produced, or color,thickness of walls ect ect, .... but i have noticed that alot about "some" people still do not grow their own seed no matter how great the cross they have made.

Brooks

7/1/2005 11:49:10 PM

Long Island,New York

Its fun to grow your own seeds.
Its fun to grow the same seed others are growing to compare.
It's fun to make crosses that others will grow which generally requires famous successful seeds.
Its makes sense if your going for big to grow seeds proven to be able to do that.
Its fun to research out, seek, and aquire any seed and then to grow it.
But I think the best thing is to grow your own proven successful seed while watching others become successful with that special cross you researched and managed to create.

7/2/2005 8:59:58 AM