PSI: FCGP Trials

The FCGP (Farmers Cooperative Genome Project) is an effort by seed growers and plant enthusiasts to address the issues of plant conservation, plant breeding, seed preservation and marketing. The FCGP assists growers in accessing and evaluating varieties available through the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS-the U.S. seed bank) and public breeders. Participants receive seed and assistance in returning evaluation information. The FCGP shares participant’s results through publications, a web site, and an informal seed exchange.

The FCGP is a project of the non-profit organization Oregon Tilth. Oregon Tilth is a member based organization that offers organic certification services worldwide. Through chapter activities, education workshops, on-farm research and demonstration sites, as well as publications, Oregon Tilth works toward more sustainable food systems.

Cucurbits:

Despite early season greenhouse problems some anecdotal results were found from the cucurbit trials.

Jack O Lantern pumpkin (pictured at right) had better PMR than its comparison Howden
Yellow Striaghtneck summer squash produced fewer fruits but tolerated powdery mildew better than Butterstick (its comparison).
Caserta had better PMR but was less vigorous than the standard.
Bush acorn was more resistance to powdery mildew when compared to Table Ace

Tomatoes:

Cornell tomatoes CT95-946 (cherry) and FT94-968 (early blight resistant shipper) were grown at the FCGP Demo Garden, but fruits didn't mature in time to harvest. No plants showed any signs of blight, but were killed by frost before evaluations were complete. CT95-946 grew well with fairly good fruit production. Although later in fruit set and less productive than the standard, Black Cherry

Melons:

NY01-907F1 averaged between 3.5—5 lbs with outstanding eating quality and farming considerations. The yield was better than 200 lbs. on about 45—50 feet of row. The set was concentrated with uniform fruit, no splitting and zero problems with the ground spot. The fruit was good looking and easy to pack. Eating quality held for a long time. At the farmers market many of the grower’s regular customers switched to these melons.