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Coupeville WA

I have never read what exactly the difference is between white and brown seeds. Is there truly an advantage to growing one or the other? I HAVE read where certain growers only grow white seeds.
Does anyone have any insight on this? Thank you in advance.

10/30/2007 10:37:59 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Hands on....Here's a link to a thread from a few years ago in which some heavy hitters chime in on the origins of white vs. brown seeds.
As far as an advantage to growing one one vs. the other, I don't know that there really is much difference. It's just a trait. Maybe it's easier to germ a white seed since the seedcoat is thinner. But I've not really noticed much difference.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=96629

10/30/2007 11:39:29 AM

Long Island,New York

edwards...not to be a pest but......this hobby and the knowledge-gain per year is moving at such a fast pace it may not serve any good purpose to reflect on data and opinions from a few years ago.I did not look at your link yet and my comments don't apply specifically to your seed color thread...its more of a watch out, things change real quick around here. Hope Im not offending....

10/30/2007 3:38:52 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Glenn:
Not offended, and your point about using old threads is well taken, but in this case I think the thread is still relevant and insightful. Unless you are saying you want to retract or update anything you said in that thread. :)

10/31/2007 10:14:49 AM

Long Island,New York

Ok...you made me look at the thread...lol. I have 3 more years and about 45 giant pumpkins and seeds info in my brain since then. I still don't think there is an advantage/disadvantage to either the white...tan...or dirty white seeds. I bet if the growers that commented on that thread were to take the time to review it they could add or change what they said though...
I have no answers...but offer these three observations:
a) I grew a selfed seed that was tan and it made tan seeds. I selfed it. I grew THAT tan seed and selfed it again and the resultant seeds were tan. I grew TWO of those seeds, got two plants and sibbed them. One was tan and one was white...fruit were identical. WTF?
2) I grew a 845Bobier and a 898Knauss and let 4 fruits grow on the 845 plant. Two were pollinated by the bees and two were controlled-pollinated by the same 898Knauss. The two open pollinated fruits produced tan seeds and the controlled x 898knauss crosses produced one white seeded pumpkin and one tan seeded pumpkin.The same mother pollinated by the same father....WTF2?
3) One pumpkin I opened up a couple years ago had about 400 seeds....399 of them were white.....1 was white on one side and tan on the other.Each side was different not one of those half tan with white tips. WTF3?
I am not a geneticist and unlike those who love to tell the world they know all about fruit color and seed color I admit I know nothing. I also admit THEY know nothing....lol.

10/31/2007 5:08:46 PM