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Minnesota([email protected])

I'd like to hear your thoughts on seed selection and how it affects the bottom line(size of your fruit).
For instance, if Jerry Rose grew another seed last year, instead of the 1260 Weir(which resulted in a 1370 lb. fruit), would he still have likely had a monster fruit(all variables, except seed genetics, being the same)? Or would some seeds result in a pumpkin under 1000 lbs.? Do you feel that some seeds don't have the genetic potential to reach, say 800 or 1000 lbs.?
Some of you that have grown many seeds of varying genetics through the years may have some insight into this. Or Some of you may notice different genetic potential in the seeds you are growing this year. I'm guessing I'll be getting contrasting opinions on this subject. Lets have fun with it. Maybe we'll learn something.

Doug

8/4/2004 9:48:43 PM

[email protected]

The APOG

Jerry is coaxing another 1260 over the charts as we type.

8/4/2004 9:55:30 PM

Rhode Island

im no expert doug just a guy who has been growing ags since 1989
if ive learmed anything at all its that out of the several hundred seeds we harvest not everyone will have reproduce the same
example
our 500 from last year ( 798x845 ) is in our patch and a friend of ours
our fruit is beautifully round and smooth, growing well and could be a very large fruit come weighoff time
our friend planted seeds from the same 500 pounder and even though shes growing just as well, is shaped like the elephant mans head
you just dont get all the same genetic breeding in every seed
dick nepga

8/4/2004 10:30:47 PM

Rexburg, Idaho

Same growers are taking top honors year in and year out. Genetics is part of the equation but I don't think its the biggest.

8/4/2004 11:05:56 PM

Puyallup, WA

Genetics are a major factor in eventual size of your pumpkin come October. Genetics affect not only size, but color and shape as well. The other major factors are weather, soil, fertilization and grower techniques. Each one of these factors can "sink" your pumpkin.
Then there is my friend Darrell who just sent me an e-mail reporting that a cow broke through his fence and ATE
8 of his 9 largest pumpkins! One might want to classify that as the "unexpected factor" when it comes to growing AG pumpkins!

8/5/2004 12:17:33 AM