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How do I try to stablize an F1 or F2 cross?
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Posted by sambal z8 Seattle WA (My Page) on Sat, May 24, 08 at 0:16
| I had two delphiniums that were open pollinated last season they are from a Pacific Giant Mix seed packet. I had no other delphs. The two plants appeared identical. Out of the 30+ babies there is one that has variegated leaves. I suspected this was due to a virus and the little plant would die. However, it now has two variegated leaves, a new one emerging from the center and a new stalk coming up. I suspect that the new stalk will be all green, but the little guy seems to be doing very well. My question is, if the variegated plant survives, how do I preserve it? Do I need to try and grow it out this season and then take stool cuttings? What about gathering seed? I don't know that option would do anything to keep the variegation going? What in the world can I do to preserve it? Any HELP would be greatly appreciated. Also, if it blooms, can I cross with anything to try and see if I get some interesting results? I have the same situation with one columbine and three hostas....not the variegation, but a new color in one casae, and a tremendous difference in size in the other. I just can't believe I've been that lucky. CAn someone put my feet back on the ground? I just don't know what to do with these extremely differnt seedlings. Thanks SO much, SAM |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: How do I try to stabilize an F1 or F2 cross?
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| SAM, The process of stabilizing an F1 hybrid is called dehybridization. Basically, you grow a lot of seeds from the hybrid and select only the one or the few that most resemble the original hybrid and repeat that process. Dehybridization involves growing and discarding a lot of seedlings, so it is best done if you have a lot of growing space. I plan to dehybridize a few of my very best zinnia hybrids, which are hybrids between hybrids. In order to get a large number of seeds from my selected hybrid, I plan to multiply it by cuttings to get a number of clones to produce a large original seed crop. If necessary, I will repeat that process in successive stages of the dehybridization. There is a lot of information in cyberspace on the subject of dehybridization. MM |
RE: How do I try to stablize an F1 or F2 cross?
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| I'd take some cuttings when the plant gets larger (at least one). You don't want to have just one of them. I wish you could post a picture of it. I bet it's beautiful. I love variegated plants! A lot of times with variegated plants, the variegation doesn't come through with seeds so you may have to multiply it with a different method like cuttings or tissue culture. |
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