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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] hybrid vs. selection

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  • From: "William H Shoemaker" <wshoemak AT illinois.edu>
  • To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] hybrid vs. selection
  • Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2011 09:29:44 -0600

Generally that's true, but plants express themselves differently under
certain environmental conditions, so you may end up with more out-crossing
under some conditions, and less or none under other conditions. Even on the
same plant, you might find most flowers successfully pollinating before
opening on a given variety. But at another point in the season some flowers
may open before the pollen releases. The degree to which the environment
influences genetic expression is pretty amazing. Just when you think you
understand something, it shows another side.

Bill
William H. Shoemaker
Sr. Research Specialist, Food Crops
University of Illinois - Crop Sciences
St Charles Horticulture Research Center
535 Randall Road, St Charles, IL, 60174
630-584-7254, FAX-584-4610
wshoemak AT illinois.edu


Someone more an expert on this than I am might correct me; but I think
it depends on the variety. Some varieties, but not all, usually self-
pollinate within the flower before it opens.

There are, I think, some self pollinating plants that nevertheless
need insects around, because the pollen won't transfer within the
flower unless the flower is disturbed -- for instance, by insects
walking on it.

-- Rivka; Finger Lakes NY, Zone 5 mostly
Fresh-market organic produce, small scale






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