The fate of Moreton Hybrid UNsealed LOL

**Mischka** · January 3, 2007

I just got off the telephone with Mark at Harris and I am sad to report that the variety Moreton Hybrid has been indeed discontinued forever with no chance of return.

I was really hoping they would resurrect this simple F1 two-parent cross. He informed me that the cost of subcontracting the seed production from Seminis, Sygenta or Harris-Moran would be cost-prohibitive in relation to the recent lack of demand.

I posed the question of a possibility of getting seed produced and dropping it as a Harris exclusive and instead offering it to the other seed houses, in order to recoup the money invested.

His response: "We wouldn't be able to sell the 30 lb. minimum that our seed producers require. Most of the other seed retailers are much smaller and we'd still be looking at a 15 year supply of seed at the end of the selling season."

I mentioned that there are smaller seed producers out there and even offered to grow 100 plants of each parent and do the hand-pollinating myself. He agreed that there are smaller "fly-by-night" seed producers but that he didn't trust the quality of their output.

He also politely declined my offer.

In further conversation, he explained how one of the parents was lost back in the early 90's and that they were unable to offer Moreton for a few years. When they "found" one of the parents and resumed seed production, the demand had already dropped off since most people that were fond of Moreton had already found some other variety to take it's place.

I asked if he knew what OP variety parents that Moreton is derived from, but he wouldn't tell me...even though they aren't going to ever sell it again.

He also said that over 80% of their Jet Star and Supersonic F1 seed is purchased by commercial plug growers and that they the ones that set the demand for most varieties that are hybridized nowadays. If market demand shrinks for those two, they would also likely be discontinued.

If anything, this is a lesson in the benefits of growing heirloom/OP varieties. We're not at the mercy of the big multi-national seed producers who seem intent on dictating what we grow in our gardens.

If any of you would be interested in dehybridizing Moreton Hybrid or have seeds you don't plan on growing, please let me know.

January 3, 2007	#1
Mischka Tomatoville® Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Bay State Posts: 3,207	The fate of Moreton Hybrid UNsealed LOL I just got off the telephone with Mark at Harris and I am sad to report that the variety Moreton Hybrid has been indeed discontinued forever with no chance of return. I was really hoping they would resurrect this simple F1 two-parent cross. He informed me that the cost of subcontracting the seed production from Seminis, Sygenta or Harris-Moran would be cost-prohibitive in relation to the recent lack of demand. I posed the question of a possibility of getting seed produced and dropping it as a Harris exclusive and instead offering it to the other seed houses, in order to recoup the money invested. His response: "We wouldn't be able to sell the 30 lb. minimum that our seed producers require. Most of the other seed retailers are much smaller and we'd still be looking at a 15 year supply of seed at the end of the selling season." I mentioned that there are smaller seed producers out there and even offered to grow 100 plants of each parent and do the hand-pollinating myself. He agreed that there are smaller "fly-by-night" seed producers but that he didn't trust the quality of their output. He also politely declined my offer. In further conversation, he explained how one of the parents was lost back in the early 90's and that they were unable to offer Moreton for a few years. When they "found" one of the parents and resumed seed production, the demand had already dropped off since most people that were fond of Moreton had already found some other variety to take it's place. I asked if he knew what OP variety parents that Moreton is derived from, but he wouldn't tell me...even though they aren't going to ever sell it again. He also said that over 80% of their Jet Star and Supersonic F1 seed is purchased by commercial plug growers and that they the ones that set the demand for most varieties that are hybridized nowadays. If market demand shrinks for those two, they would also likely be discontinued. If anything, this is a lesson in the benefits of growing heirloom/OP varieties. We're not at the mercy of the big multi-national seed producers who seem intent on dictating what we grow in our gardens. If any of you would be interested in dehybridizing Moreton Hybrid or have seeds you don't plan on growing, please let me know. __________________ Mischka One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.