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Location

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Date Posted

Pumpkintown, SC

I think my head is going to pop each time I hear this.
Now obviously we are all intitled to our own opinions and differing views help motivate us to action, often some very positive and productive actions. I'm just wondering whether there is anyone else who feels like I do when you hear the "Genetics Is Just A Crapshoot" opinion? BF

12/23/2007 12:32:02 PM

Colorado

Genetics arent a crapshoot. They(the seed) are the pre-programming that is our next pumpkin season.The "crapshoot" refers to the inconsistent results in all AG seedstocks.It's reported by some, that the super giant growth is a recessive genetic trait.Keeps the hobby unpredictable and interesting.Makes me come back for more every spring.If it werent unpredictable,there would be about one tenth as much chatter as there is on bp.com

12/23/2007 12:51:29 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Snake oil,
It may seem like a "crapshoot" sometimes, but I kinda feel like you, when I see this posted. Why would we make the crosses we do, if really was "just a crapshoot"? If this were the case, people would randomly select seeds to plant, instead of going after proven ones, or those with certain genetics.

12/23/2007 1:02:19 PM

Cincinnati,OH

If it's a crapshoot then we are weighting the dice.
You can't argue that a 695 Handy will give you the same chance at a orange pumpkin as a 801 Stelts will.

12/23/2007 1:22:03 PM

Napa Valley, CA

If you are talking "generalities", I don't think its too much of a crapshoot. If you want nice orange, you look for 801.5 Stelts genes, not something with a lot of 845 Bobier in its tree.
However when you start talking "specifics", thats when it becomes a crapshoot. For example, you can have 6 different growers make the same cross as the 998.6 Pukos and none of them may even come close to the 998.6 performance.......on the other hand you might hit the right genetic combo and bingo, you are a hero because you rolled the dice and won.
Kinda sounds like a crapshoot to me.

12/23/2007 9:49:08 PM

Pinedale, WY

If it is such a sport of chance then why are we continuing to break records? 187 lbs heavier this year, isn't just luck.

12/23/2007 10:52:10 PM

Ohio

GEO, I dont think Snake can argue with that one,lol

12/24/2007 4:27:13 AM

Rhode Island

if your planting a unknown seed or ( unproven ) thats where the crap shoot saying can be applied. in fact sometimes lady luck runs hand and hand shooting craps for you.
crap shoot can be applied to any proven seed as we all know not every seed from the same pumpkin will give the same results
to me a crap shoot still applies here because instead of getting say four equal size pumpkins from four of the same great seeds in each recent year ?, only a few have given us great results while some just a little above average
hell just getting through the day sometimes is a crap shoot around my house

12/24/2007 4:48:14 AM

Ohio

I ment CANT argue with that one.

12/24/2007 5:28:32 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Well put geo and pap.

12/24/2007 8:21:29 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

We are simply increasing our odds of producing world class fruit with controlled pollination. There are no guarantees.

12/24/2007 8:27:09 AM

Rexburg, Idaho (brianchristensenmd@gmail.com )

Crap shoot with loaded dice. I like that analagy.

12/24/2007 8:37:38 AM

Waquoit Mass

thats why you have the keg in the carraige shed pap merry xmas lol ho ho ho

12/24/2007 9:36:15 AM

Somers, CT

I agree with Dave. The Keg is definitely the answer here. Hail to the Keg!

12/24/2007 11:00:28 AM

Ohio

beer makes me feel funny

12/24/2007 12:06:50 PM

Colorado

the breeding is like poker. Were putting more aces in the deck when we cross the best with the best.I got to get a keg for my patch

12/24/2007 5:49:49 PM

Pumpkintown, SC

IMHO, with the beliefs a lot of growers have in this sport, THE biggest "crapshoot" that exists is far less about the science of genetics and far more related to "who" grows a specific seed. Again, IMHO, BF

12/24/2007 8:40:35 PM

Rhode Island

its a good thing we pollinate in the early am. if not who knows what the hell would be in anything i pollinate -- pap

12/26/2007 4:36:39 AM