Homesteading in Central Virginia
Our Website
Moderator, Treatment Free Beekeepers group on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/treatmentfreebeekeepers/
Charles Kleff wrote:If you plant that many plants, you will get corn but you will not want to save seeds. Corn is one of the few plants I grow in my garden where I actually have to grow more than I need just to have good seeds for next year. From what I have read, you need to take samples from at least 100 different ears that were pollinated by at least 200 mature plants to have good genetic viability which I believe is what you are referring to. Here is a link for more details: Corn Inbreeding Depression.
As for how necessary the 200 plants and 100 samples is, I can't say from experience and would love to see someone who saves corn seeds weigh in on how big of a deal inbreeding depression is. Something in me thinks maybe it is a myth created by big ag . . .
Michael Cox wrote:Carol Deppe (Of "Breed your own vegetable varieties" fame) talks at length about inbreeding depression, and she actively breeds her own varieties of corn and saves seed.
From her books I understand that even one generation of inbreeding in corn can make a considerable hit on genetic diversity and hence the vigour of the overall crop. Also, it is worth realising that each kernel is fertilised by a different pollen grain. With inadequate pollination you are likely to get cobs that are only partially pollinated and hence look misshapen and uneven. You should still get cobs - but the may be less appealing for the table.
... it´s about time to get a signature ...
Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Tobias Ber wrote:nicole: what about direct sowing some more corn? maybe even from kernels for popcorn-making. i find that these sprout well. they should pollinate your plants and might help to produce bio-matter.
EDIT: ok, i should make some starts for corn myself. We did not have that much luck with the weather the past years.
... it´s about time to get a signature ...
Works at a residential alternative high school in the Himalayas SECMOL.org . "Back home" is Cape Cod, E Coast USA.
Michael Sohocki wrote:i may be crazy--and i've never grown an ear of corn in my life--but don't corn plants have male parts above (anthers I think is the word) and female parts below, and are completely capable of fertilizing....themselves?
Michael Sohocki wrote:i may be crazy--and i've never grown an ear of corn in my life--but don't corn plants have male parts above (anthers I think is the word) and female parts below, and are completely capable of fertilizing....themselves?
Corn needs plenty of space for two reasons — it is a heavy feeder, and it is primarily pollinated by wind. As grains of pollen are shed by the tassels that grow from the plants’ tops, they must find their way to the delicate strands of silk that emerge from newly formed ears. To make sure silks are nicely showered with pollen, grow corn in blocks of short rows rather than in a long, single row. In a small garden, 15 plants set 1 foot apart can be grown in a 3 x 5-foot bed.
Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner
"The rule of no realm is mine. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, these are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail in my task if anything that passes through this night can still grow fairer or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I too am a steward. Did you not know?" Gandolf
Steve Farmer wrote:Your multicoloured cob is expressing the mixed genes from the parents of the plant the cob grew on, not the pollinator of that cob.
To see the results of the most recent cross pollination you would have to plant the seeds off that cob.
How permies.com works
What is a Mother Tree ?
How permies.com works
What is a Mother Tree ?
I'm all tasted up for a BLT! This tiny ad wants a monte cristo!
turnkey permaculture paradise for zero monies
https://permies.com/t/267198/turnkey-permaculture-paradise-monies
|