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What makes one seed choice better than another when it comes to self pollinating or is it trial & error? For instance is the 2517 Mendi (2183.7 x 2552 Mendi) or the 2200 Wolf (1885 Werner x Sib) does one of these make a better choice? Can a seed be self pollinated to many times causing a breakdown of the genetics?

2/13/2022 9:54:41 AM

Syracuse, NY

All valid starting points, in AG Genetics and Breeding:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=19&p=694612

I'd say read every entry to that post; Even MY truthful BS sounded good, lol---eg

2/13/2022 11:50:36 AM

Colorado

Theres no better between selfing or outcrossing.Two many unknowns.If your not a risk taker buy proven seeds.If your a risk taker your in the right hobby:)

2/13/2022 12:34:28 PM

Brooktondale, New York

Don's third book outlines his angle on the subject. From my understanding and research. The goal of selfing is to lock in genetic traits you find appealing. That is not all money in the bank, you take the good, you take the bad that is the facts of life. I believe a sibling cross is one that starts with the same seed (different plants) you might like the performance or growth characteristics of the one and the pumpkin on the other, still locking similar but not the exact same genetics. The super lock is the selfed seed that is crossed back with its original seed. Mendi is the man and I did not realize til last week what he did with that 2517. You know how the 2183 has produced some twelve kins over 2k. Well that is a great producer. Mendi recognized this early and last year gave us the 2517 as his personal gift as it is the strongest possible genetic lock. Better yet he reports growing 25 seeds and selecting the best each year. In theory the best of the best several times over. That being said 2517 should replicate similar or better performance as the 2183. I wish he would send me a handful so could select out a few beauties. There are many different theories with regard to what is best. I agree with his "best seed" practice. Mendi and Mendel kinda even sound same. Please take my opinion as such and complete your best research. I hope this gets you started on the right path to understanding Gregor Medels work from the middle 1800's.

2/14/2022 12:25:40 AM

Grittyville, WA

Selfing could maintain desireable recessive traits. Color, or % heavy for example. "The goal of selfing is to lock in genetic traits you find appealing." With dominant traits, I dont think selfing matters as much, because you are a bit more likely still get that trait. 75 % vs 25 % according to a punnett square.

2/14/2022 4:52:58 AM

So if the Mendi 2517 was to be self pollinated is there the thought of desirable results or would it be better to use a seed like the 2096 Barron (2183 Mendi 19 x self) to again stimulate the gene-pool since the 2183 has alot going for it!

2/14/2022 8:56:50 AM