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Rhode Island

Since we are getting close to the weigh off season I want to clarify what it takes to be a cross.

I think it's important so everyone is on the same page.

What I am asking is what does it take to say there is a cross between two pumpkins vs leaving the flower open.

This is what I did this year.

I hand pollinated from a separate plant. But I never used anything to keep the female flower closed before or after hand pollination.

I consider this "open"

Please elaborate if need be but I feel its important for people buying seeds and the future of genetics

Sorry if this is sophomoric but it's my sophomore year

8/24/2012 6:47:33 PM

West [email protected]

I did not no this, so thanks for the info

8/24/2012 8:05:13 PM

Central Minnesota

That is open for sure. I zip tie the males and females I will use the night prior. I pick the males prior to pollination and open them one at a time after opening the female. I pollinate the female and zip tie the female back shut instantly.

8/24/2012 8:11:41 PM

morristown, Tn email [email protected]

you have to tie shut like i did on them to be real crosses

8/24/2012 8:45:40 PM

Connecticut

That is open. I pick males the night before and cover female until polled. Then tie the female for 24 hrs

8/24/2012 8:59:21 PM

Rhode Island

Thanks, I wanted to bring it up to see where the line was between open and cross. Since a lot of weigh-offs ask what the cross of the pumpkin is.
From what I understand the female flower must be tied up the night before, opened only for hand pollination from a single plant, then tied up until the next day. Any less it is open.

8/25/2012 5:09:09 PM

El Paso TX.

Correct -- but you also need to ensure that the male flower has not been open either by bringing it inside the night before or tying it as well --- figure if the male is already open and you use it to pollinate there is a chance a bee already visited it that morning and left other pollen in the flower also which would mean it is then an open pollination !! ( If you are not positive you had a controlled pollination then it is "Open" )

8/25/2012 11:48:50 PM

Rhode Island

JD good point. I have a feeling that there are a lot fewer actual crosses each year then advertised.

Maybe I am wrong.

8/26/2012 6:48:44 AM